Hydrated electrons and hydrogen atoms react with
pentafluorophenol (PFP) to result in fluoride ion
elimination
and subsequent production of the tetrafluorophenoxyl radical.
Evidence for the formation of this radical was
obtained from its reaction with ascorbate, which is oxidized by this
species as it is oxidized by other phenoxyl
radicals. Tetrafluorophenoxyl radical reacts with
OH- to eliminate another fluoride ion and yield
the
trifluorobenzosemiquinone radical anion. Addition of OH to PFP
also leads to fluoride ion elimination to
yield the tetrafluorobenzosemiquinone radical anion. Oxidation of
PFP by SO4
•- or
N3
• yields the
pentafluorophenoxyl radical.