Effects of ionizing radiation on cyanamide and dimethylcyanamide

Abstract

Irradiation of the pure title compounds and a range of dilute solid solutions produces a range of matrix-isolated radicals, identified by their EPR spectra. These include electron-loss centres, HNCN and (Me₂NCN)⁺, and electron capture centres HNC(H)N˙^– and Me₂N˙. The former is a tautomer of the parent anion and the latter is formed by loss of CN^–. In aqueous alkali glasses, the radical anion ˙N₂CO^3– is thought to be formed by addition of O˙^– to CN^2–₂.