Even–odd alternation of the fromation of chain end alkyl radicals in irradiated crystalline alkanes; e.s.r. evidence

Abstract

Even–odd alternation of the e.s.r. spectra of a series of irradiated linear alkanes starting from n-C₁₁ H₂₄ is found to be due to the prominent chain end alkyl radical formation in odd members of the series, suggesting that the radiation chemistry of crytstalline alkanes may be affected by the cyrtystal structure, e.g. by molecular packing and alignment.