Muon spectroscopy applied to biological systems: a study of thiyl radicals, RS.

Thiyl radicals (RS.) are formed when positive muons (mu+) are implanted into solutions of thiocarbonyl compounds (C = S) in ethanol, tetrahydrofuran or formamide solvents. A solvent dependence is found, which reflects changing electronic interactions and overall conformations, suggesting that the properties of RS. radicals may be dependent on the polarity (philicity) of the environment in which they are formed.