Unstable intermediates. Part CXXVI. Electron spin resonance studies of the effect of high energy radiation on amines and their solutions in water and sulphuric acid

Abstract

Exposure of a range of amines and their solutions in water or sulphuric acid to ⁶⁰Co γ-rays gave, either directly or after annealing, radicals whose e.s.r. spectra were characteristic of R₂N, R¹₂ĊNR²₂, R₃N⁺, or R₂Ċ–CH₂[graphic omitted]R₃ radicals. The sequence of reactions leading to the formation of these radicals is discussed, together with various structural aspects. In addition to H₂ĊNH₃⁺ radicals, a species was detected in irradiated solutions of methylamine in sulphuric acid that is tentatively identified as a methyl radical weakly bonded to an ammonia molecule (H₃Ċ⋯ NH₃).