Fluorocarbon oxy and peroxy radicals

This review deals with the most fundamental fluorocarbon oxy (x=1) and peroxy (x=2) radicals CF₃O_x, FC(O)O_x, CF₃C(O)O_x and CF₃OC(O)O_x. Their role in atmospheric and synthetic chemistry is described as well as their formation and characterisation in the gas phase and isolated in low temperature matrices. Reservoirs and hence thermal sources for oxy and peroxy radicals are peroxides (ROOR) and peroxynitrates (ROONO₂), while catenated trioxides (ROOOR) are precursors for both oxy and peroxy radicals simultaneously. The synthesis and some properties of these precursors are also described.