Mechanochemical generation of stable radical species. Oxidation of pyrocatechols

We have investigated the temperature and time dependences of the D-value and the intensity of mechanochemically generated radical pairs in order to establish the nature of these radical products. The method of synthesis of those pairs, based on the oxidation of pyrocatechols, is outlined. We have confirmed the biradical nature of the products (no signal in one-third field was detected). We have outlined ideas about the nature of the products, which probably are radical pairs of association.