Studies of free radicals on surfaces are of interest for several reasons: the spontaneous or stimulated formation of radicals from adsorbed molecules may represent one possible mechanism for heterogeneous catalysis. In some cases the radicals are ionic, indicating that primary oxidation and reduction reactions occur. Radicals can also be used as probes to investigate diffusion processes on catalytic surfaces. The first direct observations were made more than 30 years ago, but detailed studies of structure, reactions and mobility have only recently become feasible with the advent of powerful spectroscopic techniques, to a great extent developed and used by the contributors to this volume. This comprehensive review describes new trends in the field. Leading experts write about the nature of surface active sites, methods to identify them, and the radicals formed from adsorbed molecules interacting with the surface. The emphasis is on the fundamentals covering thermal, photostimulated and radiation induced reactions as well as diffusion processes. This provides the necessary background for technological applications. This book will be useful to those who are interested in surface chemistry, heterogeneous catalysis as well as those who want to study reactive intermediates in chemical reactions. It is also of interest to scientists in photo and radiation physics and chemistry.

Our understanding of the quantitative aspects of free radical chemistry and the involvement of radicals in such areas as biology, medicine, the environment, etc., has developed spectacularly over recent years, yet the various topics are commonly discussed separately, in specific meetings and specialised publications. Free Radicals in Biology and Environment draws together two important areas of free radical chemistry, using as a bridge the fundamental physical chemistry of free radicals (spectroscopic detection of free radicals, evaluation of absolute rate constants, elucidation of mechanisms of free radical reactions and catalysis, photochemical and radiation processes, etc.). The most relevant topics covered are the EPR detection of radicals in biochemical systems and in pollutant formation and degradation, oxidation processes in biology and in the troposphere, radiation and induced damage, and atmospheric pollutants arising from incomplete combustion. Also covered are the chemistry and biochemistry of nitric oxide and peroxynitrite, the chemistry and biochemistry of DNA radicals, the role of radicals in myeloperoxidase, lignineperoxidase, radicals and cardiovascular injury, radiation and the fragmentation of cells and tissues.

Consolidating knowledge from a number of disciplines, Ion-Radical Organic Chemistry: Principles and Applications, Second Edition presents the recent changes that have occurred in the field since the publication of the first edition in 2003. This volume examines the formation, transformation, and application of ion-radicals in typical conditions of organic synthesis. Avoiding complex mathematics, the author explains the principles of ion-radical organic chemistry and presents an overview of organic ion-radical reactions. He reviews methods of determining ion-radical mechanisms and controlling ion-radical reactions. Wherever applicable, the text addresses issues relating to ecology and biomedical concerns as well as inorganic participants of the ion-radical organic reactions. After reviewing the nature of organic ion-radicals and their ground-state electronic structure, the book discusses their formation, the relationship between electronic structure and reactivity, mechanism and regulation of reactions, stereochemical aspects, synthetic opportunities, and practical applications. Additional topics include electronic and opto-electronic devices, organic magnets and conductors, lubricants, other materials, and reactions of industrial or biomedical importance. The book concludes by providing an outlook on possible future development in this field. Researchers and practitioners engaged in active work on synthetic or mechanistic organic chemistry and its practical applications will find this text to be invaluable in both its scope and its depth.