Oxidation of azidopentaamminecobalt(III) ion by hydroxyl radicals

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/ic50225a028

Oxidation of [Co(NH₃)₅(N₃)]²⁺ with hydroxyl radical (k = 1.1 × 10⁹ M^-1 s^-1) has been observed to yield a surprisingly stable coordinated radical, presumed to be [Co(NH₃)₅NNNOH·]²⁺ which decays by a first-order intramolecular redox process (k = 60 ± 10 s^-1 at 25°C) to give Co(II), N₂, and N₂O as products. N₂O appears to arise from dimerization of NOH to H₂N₂O₂ which decomposes in acidic solution to N₂O and H₂O.