An E.S.R. study of the oxidation of some malonic and other acids by hydroxyl radicals

Abstract

A series of terminal dicarboxylic acids, malonic acids and branched-chain aliphatic acids on oxidation with TiC1₃/H₂O₂ in a flow system give rise to e.s.r. spectra arising from mixtures of radicals. In most cases the dominant radical is that formed by abstraction of hydrogen from the β-carbon. Malonic acids complex with titanium(III) ions sufficiently strongly to be examined at elevated pH values without the need for added ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid.