Electron Self-exchange Studies of electron self-exchange kinetics by ESR linebroadening experiments is one of the major fields of research in our group at PTC. The reaction itself is that of a parent molecule undergoing either a one electron oxidation or reduction. Thus the redox pair must inevitably contain a radical which can, in turn, be monitored by ESR.
So far, a number of different couples have been studied, covering mostly chemically generated radicals, anionic as well as cationic. Examples are the systems of: DDQ, (a chemically generated radical anion together with its neutral parent compound) thianthrene (chemically generated cation radical) and TEMPO (free neutral radical with a chemically generated (ESR inactive) cationic counterpart).
Additionally various parameters influencing the reaction, such as temperature and solvent are studied. In the near future also the influence of supporting electrolytes as well as pressure on the self-exchange kinetics will be examined.
For more information on this subject please contact Kenneth
Rasmussen
