Alkyl-radical–chloride-ion adducts formed in the radiolysis of chloroalkanes. An electron spin resonance study

Abstract

Exposure of dilute solutions of chloromethane in [2H3]cyanomethane to 60Co γ-rays at 77 K gave ˙CH3–––Cl– adducts by electron capture. These were characterised by their e.s.r. spectra, which showed a slightly reduced proton hyperfine coupling (–22 G) and a clear quartet splitting from 35Cl and 37Cl [A∥≈ 4 G and A⊥≈(–)2 G]. On annealing, normal methyl radicals were formed irreversibly.