Crystalline, radiation-induced, free-radical reactions

In the crystalline state, radiolysis is the most suitable, free-radical generator. However, the specificity in producing a certain radical species is usually less here than in aqueous solutions, as the radiation energy is absorbed by the carbohydrate itself. Specific reactions, sometimes of preparative interest, occur only if chain reactions are induced within the crystalline material by the radicals generated in the radio-lytic processes. 

Simic M, Hayon E (1973) Comparison between the electron transfer reactions from free radicals and their corresponding peroxy radicals to quinones. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 50 364-369 Sommerfeld T (2001) Electron-induced chemistry of 5-chlorouracil. Chem Phys Chem 677-679 Spalletta RA, Bernhard WA (1982) Spin-trapping free radicals by solvating X-irradiated crystalline pyrimidines. Radiat Res 89 11-24... 

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