Electron spin resonance studies. Part XLIV. The formation of alkylsulphonyl radicals by the oxidation of aliphatic sulphoxides with the hydroxyl radical and by the reaction of alkyl radicals with sulphur dioxide

E.s.r. spectra are reported for a range of alkylsulphonyl and carbon-centred radicals detected during the oxidation of sulphoxides with the TiIII–H2O2 couple in aqueous solution. Alkylsulphonyl radicals are also formed in some cases by reaction of substituted alkyl radicals with SO2 in aqueous solution; however, hydroxy-conjugated radicals under these conditions behave as one-electron reducing agents and yield SO2– and carbonyl- and carboxy-conjugated radicals do not appear to react. Evidence is adduced for the ready desulphonylation of HO2C·CH2·SO2˙.