Unstable intermediates. Part 118.—Gamma irradiated potassium azide: electron spin resonance spectra of N –4 and N 2–3 radical ions

Abstract

After exposure of potassium azide to γ-rays at room temperature both N^–₄ and N^2–₃ have been identified by e.s.r. spectroscopy. The latter has not previously been detected in this material, but features previously assigned to pairs of N^–₄ radicals are thought to be better identified with N^2–₃. This radical is thought to be bent, with a bond angle close to 139°. The e.s.r. parameters are compared with those for other, isoelectronic radicals.