Formation of Difluorobenzyl Radicals from 2,3,4-Trifluorotoluene in Corona Excitation

The vibronically well-resolved emission spectrum was recorded from the corona discharge of precursor 2,3,4-trifluorotoluene in a corona excited supersonic expansion with a pinhole-type glass nozzle using a long-path monochromator in the visible region. From the analysis of the observed spectrum, we found the evidence of the presence of the difluorobenzyl radicals in the corona discharge of the precursor. A possible mechanism is proposed for the formation of difluorobenzyl radicals in the gas phase on the basis of the observed emission intensity of the difluorobenzyl radicals produced. KCI Citation Count: 3