The structure, electron resonance and optical spectra of trapped CO3-and NO3

Examination of irradiated potassium bicarbonate shows the crystal to contain trapped CO3 - radicals, as well as CO2(H) radicals, and examination of irradiated urea nitrate shows this crystal to hold trapped NO3 radicals. Electron resonance spectra and optical absorption spectra suggest that the radicals CO3 - and NO3 are planar, but do not possess a threefold axis. An examination of the expected wavefunction and energies discloses features which favour distortion of these radicals; these features are absent for CO3 = and NO3 -.