ESR Spectra of Trifluoromethyl Radical Obtained by Radiolysis and Photolysis in Solid Matrices

Abstract

The ESR spectrum of ⋅CF3 radicals trapped at 77 K in glassy matrices of a hexafluoropropylene trimer was examined. All the anisotropic components of the spectrum were assigned. The signals from parallel and perpendicular components resulting from hyperfine coupling to fluorine nuclei in the axially symmetrical ⋅CF3 radical were identified. The values of magnetic parameters were found to be A|| = 25.15 mT, A⊥ = 9.1 mT, g|| = 1.9996, and g⊥ = 2.0056. The computer simulated ESR spectrum of ⋅CF3 radical obtained in a glassy hexafluoropropylene trimer matrix can be used to interpret the spectrum of this radical in other solid matrices. Available literature data on the ESR spectra of ⋅CF3 radicals trapped in solid matrices are summarized.