Formation of an observable intermediate during the reduction of [Co ^(III)(NH₃)₅CN]²⁺ by ^̇CR¹R²(OH) radicals

^̇CR¹R²OH, Rⁱ = CH ₃ or H, react with the complex [Co^III(NH₃) ₅CN]²⁺ to form an observable intermediate probably via bonding to the nitrogen of the cyanide. This intermediate isomerizes to form a second intermediate. The second intermediate decomposes into Co ²⁺(aq), 5NH₄⁺, CN^- and R ¹R²CO. The plausible structures of the intermediates are discussed. The radicals ^̇CH³, ^̇CH ₂CHO, CH(OH)CO2-, CH2C(CH3)2OH,CO2- and CH3O2 are considerably less reactive towards this complex, the formation of intermediates in their presence is not observed.