Unstable intermediates. Part LXI. Electron spin resonance study of radicals and radical pairs in irradiated resorcinol at 77°K

Abstract

The e.s.r. spectra of powders and single crystals of resorcinol after exposure to γ-rays at 77°K are interpreted in terms of the predominant formation of two types of radical pair, both probably comprising m-hydroxyphenoxyradicals. The particular parent molecules involved are considered in the light of the known crystal structure, and hence a possible mechanism for the formation of these pairs is derived. The single-crystal spectra of the phenoxytype radicals trapped singly are also reported and discussed.