Formation of quasi-stable radical pairs exchanging an oxygen molecule in polymer layers

Abstract

The authors have studied the stability of radicals formed on photo-oxidation of azides in polymer layers. It is shown that the ESR spectrum of the radicals may be represented as the superposing of at least two lines: symmetrical singlet and asymmetrical. The asymmetrical component of the spectrum is assigned to the peroxide radical. The surprisingly high stability of the radicals formed is noted. The phenomenon detected is related to the formation of a spatial arrangement of the radicals such that the rate of exchange of molecular oxygen between radicals well exceedsthe rates of any other reactions involving these radicals.