Radical switch reaction. A novel reaction between two free radicals in a solvent cage

Studies on the thermal decomposition of t-butyl phenylazo sulfone suggested the occurrence of a radical switch reaction, a novel type of reaction between two radicals. A primary geminate radical pair, t-butanesulfonyl and phenyl radical pair, exchange sulfur dioxide to form a new radical pair consisting of t-butyl and benzenesulfonyl radicals. The generation of benzenesulfonyl radical was confirmed by its ESR spectrum and the isolation of products containing a benzenesulfonyl group.