Contributions to the radiation chemistry of octasilsesquioxanes: unique traps for atomic hydrogen and free radicals at ambient temperature

Evidence was given for trapping of H-atoms in fluid solutions of octasilses quioxanes. Use was made of the positive effect of scavengers on the yield o f trapped H-atoms. Carbon and silicon-centered radicals formed simultaneous ly through radiation chemical processes were detected, Most of the radical species were identified by the simulation of the corresponding ESR spectra. A wide range of thermal stability is covered by the radicals depending on the chemical nature of the substitutents of the cages and the precursors. ( C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.