ESR study of γ-irradiated 1,3,5-trithiane and its derivatives

Radicals formed in γ-irradiated, 1,3,5-trithiane and its derivatives at room temperature have been studied by ESR spectroscopy. ESR evidence establishes that 1,3,5-trithiane as well as α- and β- 2,4,6-trimethyl-1,3,5-trithiane yield radicals mainly by loss of the hydrogen atom, whereas α- and β-2,4,6-triphenyl-1,3,5-trithiane and 2,4,6-trimethyl-2,4,6-triphenyl-1,3,5-trithiane produce radicals that are parent radical cations, which are also present in small amounts in aliphatic trithianes. Furthermore, in all the spectra examined R-S-type radicals are observed. The probable initiation process of radiation-induced 1,3,5-trithiane polymerization is discussed briefly