Characterization of alkoxy free radicals

Abstract

Alkoxy radicals have been produced by x irradiation in a variety of compounds containing hydroxy groups. The relationship between the g tensor and its correlated hyperfine coupling tensors are explored as an additional means for characterizing alkoxy radicals. A simple model of the spin density distribution in an alkoxy radical is able to account for the main features of the anisotropic coupling. The model gives 0.75 spin density in a p orbital of the oxygen atom and a small positive density along the C–H bond axis.