Formation, Properties and Reactions of Cation Radicals in Solution

Abstract

This chapter discusses chemical oxidations, oxidations on acidic surfaces, and photoionizations. The formation of cation radicals in solution is also discussed. The chapter outlines the experimental techniques that have been used to study cation radicals and the type of information that can be obtained about their behavior. Examples of such investigations are provided. A large number of electrochemical techniques is available for producing and studying cation radicals (or other electrogenerated). Their instrumentation, techniques, and theory are described. The electrochemical techniques can be separated into two classes: the microelectrode or voltammetric techniques and the bulk electrolysis or coulometric techniques. Detailed descriptions of physical properties of cation radicals are presented in the chapter. Cation radicals react with a variety of nucleophiles. Substitution often occurs, but there are many examples in which electron transfer occurs either entirely or in part.