[Free-radical mechanism of chitosan radiation degradation and problems of the chemical antiradiation protection].

An analysis of published data on the radiolytic properties of chitosan and of some modelling its fragments substances was performed. The main process of radiation chitosan degradation is connected with the formation and conversion of free radicals. The mechanisms of the primary radicals C2, C1 and C3 (of the NH2 and H removal radicals) conversion up to the formation of some terminal products of chitosan radiolysis were offered in the form of the generalized schemes.