Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy of Gamma-Irradiated Glucose Polymers

Using electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy, we revealed the irradiation-induced radicals in cellulose and starch. Before gamma-ray irradiation, no ESR signals were observed in both the glucose polymers. However, after gamma-ray irradiation, a singlet at g = 2.0 was observed, and a pair of side signals appeared simultaneously. The side signals were found at the symmetric field positions at both sides of the singlet signal. The side signals were visible in cellulose but not in starch. The side signals are found to be a precise indicator for irradiation effects in cellulose. They are originated from neither the peroxide radical of glucose polymer nor the so-called cellulosic radicals. By the simulation method, we found that the side signals are originated from a triplet due to a hyperfine interaction with two protons. By the theoretical simulation, we revealed that the signal undergo the rotational motions rather than rigid limit state (or no motion).