Unstable intermediates. Part 111.—Electron spin resonance studies of γ-irradiated frozen aqueous solutions of alkali-metal azides

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Aqueous glasses containing potassium or sodium azide at 77 K after exposure to 60Co γ-rays, had e.s.r. spectra containing features characteristic of NH2 radicals. Exposure to 2537 Å light also gave NH2 radicals together with an isotropic 5 G triplet characteristic of nitrogen atoms. The NH2 radicals are probably formed from N2– 3 or HN– 3 by loss of nitrogen molecules and protonation of NH–. This occurs even in glasses containing 10 M alkali hydroxide.