Electron spin resonance studies. Part XXXVIII. Evidence for the formation of dimeric radical-cations, R2S˙S2+˙, in the one-electron oxidation of sulphides

Abstract

Evidence is adduced by e.s.r. spectroscopy for the mediation of radical-cations R₂S˙S₂⁺˙ during oxidation of a sulphide R₂S by the titanium(III)–hydrogen peroxide or –persulphate couple. It is suggested that they arise from a first-formed transient, R₂S⁺˙, which is subject to competing reactions of which one is with a further molecule of sulphide. Other reactions, and the variation of their relative importance with structure, are briefly discussed.