Hydroxyl radical as a strong electrophilic species

In order to clarify an index which could be used as proof of the presence of hydroxyl radical, a new standard isomer distribution ratio of phenols formed from aromatic hydroxylation with [(4-bromophenyl)diazenyl](phenyl)methyl hydroperoxide 4. which is a stable source of hydroxyl radical, under a new appropriate photolysis condition in the presence or absence of benzoquinones is reported. We also demonstrated the strong electrophilic properties of hydroxyl radical in reference to earlier results of electron density calculations. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.