Free Radical Formation in a Gamma-irradiated Pyrimidine-purine Co-crystal Complex

Abstract
The formation and properties of free radicals in a co- crystal complex between 1-methylthymine and 9-methyladenine were studied by electron spin resonance spectroscopy. The radicals formed in this complex do not represent a simple composite of those formed in the individual components. For irradiation at 77[degree]K, the location of the radical(s) in the complex could not be determined, but at 300[degree]K radicals are preferentially formed on the 1-methylthymine moiety. The radical on the 1-methylthymine moiety at 300[degree]K is formed by hydrogen addition on C6 of the thymine ring. This radical has greater conformational stability and resistance to heat decay when in the co-crystal complex than when in the 1-methylthymine crystal structure.

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