The hypothesis implying complete capture of solvent-separated ion pairs by triphenylverdazyls used as internal indicators for unimolecular heterolysis of organic compounds was critically analyzed. Products of heterolysis of diphenylmethyl bromide in anhydrous acetonitrile in the presence of triphenylverdazyl were identified, and their distribution was determined. Alkylation of verdazyl under kinetic conditions almost does not occur, and verdazyl is consumed as a result of its reaction with hydrogen bromide liberated during the solvolysis.

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