Spin trapping azidyl (N3•), cyanatyl (OCN•), cyanyl (•CN) radicals, and chlorine atom (Cl•)

Azidyl, cyanatyl, and cyanyl radicals and chlorine atoms have been detected by spin trapping using α-phenyl N-tert-butyl nitrone (PBN) in the monoelectronic electrooxidations of azide, cyanate, cyanide, and chloride. Azidyl and cyanatyl radicals were also detected with PBN in the persulfate oxidations of azide and cyanate. Azidyl radicals could be detected in the reaction of azide with hydroxyl radicals in the presence of PBN.