Structure and magnetic properties of molecular crystalline ‘carbons' prepared by thermal decomposition of sulphanilic acid in the solid state

Abstract

‘Carbon’ formation, in the temperature range 600–1200 K, by thermal decomposition of sulphanilic acid has been studied using electron spin resonance and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy supported by chemical investigations. Evidence is put forward which suggests that these ‘carbons’ are a class of disordered free radical solids formed by cross-linking of tetra-azadibenzanthracene structural units and also containing heterocyclic sulphur.