Unstable intermediates. Part 111.—Electron spin resonance studies of γ-irradiated frozen aqueous solutions of alkali-metal azides

Abstract

Aqueous glasses containing potassium or sodium azide at 77 K after exposure to ⁶⁰Co γ-rays, had e.s.r. spectra containing features characteristic of NH₂ radicals. Exposure to 2537 Å light also gave NH₂ radicals together with an isotropic 5 G triplet characteristic of nitrogen atoms. The NH₂ radicals are probably formed from N^2–₃ or HN^–₃ by loss of nitrogen molecules and protonation of NH^–. This occurs even in glasses containing 10 M alkali hydroxide.