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Distonic radical ions are unique due to the fact that its charges and radical sites are in different locations (on separate atoms ) ,unlike regular radicals where the formal charge and unpaired electron are in the same location. These molecular species are created when ionization takes place with either zwitterions or diradicals; ultimately, a neutral molecule loses an electron. Through experimental research distonic radicals have been found to be extremely stable gas phase ions and can be separated into different classes depending on the inherent features of the charged portion of the ion.



History
In 1984 scientists Bouma, Radom ,and Yates originated the term through extensive experimental research but they were not the first to deal with distonic ions. Experiments date back to the 1970s with Gross and McLafferty who were the first to propose the idea of such a species.

Ion Structure
There are several efficient techniques in place that can detect the presence of distonic ions, however when deciding on which method is most appropriate, one must keep in mind the ions internal energy and lifespan. When a molecule is ionized and can structurally be classified as a distonic ion, the molecules kinetics and thermodynamic properties have been greatly altered. However, additional chemical properties are based on the reactions of the central excited ions. Mass spectrometry techniques are used to study their chemistry.

Experimental Data
Distonic ions have been extensively examined due to their unique behavior and how common they can occur. Through the obtained data, it has been shown that in most cases distonic ions have corresponding bonding arrangement as the original molecule before ionization occurred. However data has also shown that distonic ions possess less stability than before ionization occurred; having said that, this does not take away from the fact that distonic ions are considered stable ions