ESR study of N-acyl-N-alkyl nitroxide radicals from photolysis of N-nitrosoamides

A new method of generation of N-acyl-N-alkyl nitroxide radicals by photolysis of N-nitrosoamides is described. ESR parameters are reported for 17 radicals of the general formula R? CO? N(R′)O^.; the high resolution obtained allows conformational analysis which shows a preferred trans conformation around the CO? N bond and hindered rotation around the N? R′ σ-bond.