Mechanisms for electron-capture processes

Abstract

Electron-capture processes resulting from exposure to ionizing radiation have been studied by e.s.r. spectroscopy at low temperatures. Intramolecular competitions between electron-addition and dissociative electron capture are illustrated with particular reference to organophosphorus compounds, which can add electrons to give phosphoranyl radicals or lose halide ions to give alkyl or phosphoryl radicals. Similar competition experiments in which halide ion loss competes with electron addition to a cyanide group are also described and discussed.