Spin trapping of inorganic radicals

The use of nitrose compounds and nitrones as spin traps for the detection of short-lived inorganic radicals is discussed. To a certain degree nitrones and nitroso compounds are complementary. While nitroso compounds are superior with respect to spin trapping metal-centred radicals, nitrones form more persistent spin adducts with most small inorganic radicals. Erroneous results may be obtained when hydrolysis and redox reactions involving the spin adducts are ignored. Spin trapping of pseudohalide radicals (.N3, .CN, .SCN) are discussed in more detail.