title: Free radical formation in gamma-irradiated 5-nitro-6-hydroxythymine at 77K: an electron spin resonance single crystal investigation.
abstract: An electron spin resonance single crystal investigation of gamma-irradiated 5-nitro-6-hydroxythymine has been carried out at 77K. The primary reduced species was identified and was shown to have the unpaired electron localized on the nitro group. NO2 radicals were identified and suggested to be formed in the decay of the primary oxidation product. A third radical which shows isotropic coupling to the methyl group was identified and is suggested to be formed by the homolytic cleavage of the C-NO2 bond. A mechanism for the radical formation is proposed.
mesh_terms: D003080:Cold Temperature; D004578:Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy; D005609:Free Radicals; D005720:Gamma Rays; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D013941:Thymine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000528:radiation effects
chemical_list: C028172:5-nitro-6-hydroxythymine; D005609:Free Radicals; D013941:Thymine