Radical formation and radiation damage in adamantane

Unequivocal samples of the 1-adamantyl (1-Ad) and 2-Ad radicals have been prepared in a matrix of adamantane (Ad) by the simultaneous deposition of atomic sodium, 1- or 2-bromoadamantane, and adamantance at 77 K. The EPR spectrum of the 1-Ad radical contrary to previous reports has a clearly resolved hyperfine structure that can be analyzed in terms of the solution parameters of Krusic et al., and the spectrum of the 2-Ad radical is identical with that previously reported by Ferrell et al. It is also shown that conditions of purification and irradiation can greatly affect the spectra obtained upon X irradiation of Ad itself. Depending upon conditions, alicyclic radicals that are primary products of ring-opening reactions or benzylic-type radicals that are probably secondary reaction products can also be obtained in addition to 1-Ad and 2-Ad radicals