Electron spin resonance studies on γ-irradiated tetraphosphorus decaoxide, decasulphide, and decaselenide

Abstract

γ-Irradiation of P₄O₁₀, P₄S₁₀ and P₄Se₁₀ produces the following radicals : [P₄O₁₀]⁺, [P₄S₁₀]⁺, and [P₄Se₁₀]⁺ in which the unpaired electron is based on one PX₄ unit and thus related to [PO₄]^2–; [P₄O₁₀]^– and [P₄S₁₀]^– related to [PO₄]^4–; and [P₄S₉]⁺ and [P₄Se₉]⁺ related to [P0₃]^2–. In the case of [P₄S₁₀]^–, further hyperfine coupling (21.6 G) to the other three phosphorus atoms is seen. A mechanism for the radiation damage is proposed.