On the electron spin resonance detection of RS radicals in irradiated solids: radicals of type RSSR – , RS–SR ₂ , and R ₂ SSR ₂ ⁺

It is suggested that radicals previously identified as RS, having g tensor components in the 2·002, 2·025, and 2·060 regions are better described as RS–SR2σ* radicals, structurally similar to the established radical anions, RS–SR–. Furthermore, a radical in irradiated thiodiglycolic acid previously thought to be (HO2CCH2)2S+ is almost certainly the dimer-cation (HO2CCH2)2S–S(CH2CO2H 2)+. The type of spectrum expected for RS radicals including HS is discussed, together with possible assignments.