Aromatic Radical Anions with Parallel or Crossed Triple Bonds

Proton hyperfine data are reported for the radical anions of 1,8-di (propyn-1-yl)-naphthalene (I), 7,8,12,13-tetradehydro-10,11-dihydro-9H-cyclodeca[d,e]naphthalene (II) and 2,2′-di(propyn-1-yl)-biphenyl (III), as well as of 5,6,11,12-tetradehydro-7,8,9,10-tetrahydro-dibenzo[a,c]cyclodecene (IV) and its 8,8,9,9-tetradeuterio-derivative (IV-d₄). The triple bonds in I and II can be regarded as roughly parallel, while those in IV (and IV-d₄) may be considered as crossed. The π-spin distributions in I? to IV? are discussed in terms of simple MO models which suggest a weekly bonding interaction between the acetylenic fragments in IV?, in contrast to III? where such an effect appears to be negligible. The importance of an analogous interaction in I? and II? is difficult to deduce, since its inclusion into a MO model does not substantially affect the π-spin distribution in these radical anions.     

ESR. Spectra of the Radical Anion of Dimethyl-phenyl-phosphine

ESR. spectra of the radical anion (I^?) produced from dimethyl-phenyl-phosphine (I) both by electrolysis and reaction with alkali metals have been studied upon variation of temperature. The coupling constant assigned to the ³¹P nucleus depends strongly on temperature, whereas the coupling constants attributed to protons do not exhibit such a dependence. The π-spin populations at the benzene ring of I^? give evidence - in accordance with other experimental data [1] [2] – that the dimethylphosphino substituent is electron-attracting. This effect is thought to be due mainly to P ← C_π delocalization, which is analogous to the Si? C_π interaction in trimethylsilyl-substituted π-systems [3]. The ESR. spectrum previously [4] ascribed to I^? is shown to arise from a secondary radical. The formation and structure of this radical are briefly discussed.     

Effect of non-planarity on the spin distribution in the radical anions containing the stilbene or the azobenzene π-system: An ESR and ENDOR Study

The radical anions of 5H-dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptene ( 9 ), 5 H-dibenzo[c,f][1,2]diazepine ( 10 ), 5,6-dihydrodibenzo[a,e]cyclooctene ( 11 ), 5,6-dihydrodibenzo[c,g][1,2]diazocine ( 12 ), and (E)-2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-3,4-diphenylhex-3-ene ( 13 ) were characterized by ESR and ENDOR spectroscopy. Their hyperfine data were compared with those previously reported for radical anions also containing the stilbene or the azobenzene π-system. Whereas the π-spin distribution in the radical anions of the stilbene series is only moderately sensitive to deviations of the π-system from planarity, the radical anions of the azobenzene series respond to steric strain by shifting the π-spin population from the benzene rings to the azo group. This finding is impressively demonstrated by the similar hyperfine data for 9 ^{· ?} and 11 ^{· ?} which contrast with the strongly highly hindered 13 ^{· ?}. A. plausible interpretation is readily provided by the electron affinities of the constituent π-moieties in stilbene and azobenzene. While those of benzene and ethene are both comparatively low, the azo group has a considerably higher electron affinity.     

Methyl Substitution as a Probe for π-Spin Distribution in the Radical Anion of 1,6-Methano[10]annulene

ESR. and ENDOR. spectra are reported for the radical anion of the 2-methyl derivative (III) of 1,6-methano[10]annulene (I). Comparison of the hyperfine data for I·? and III·? with those for the radical anions of naphthalene (II) and its 1-methyl derivative (IV), respectively, confirms the suggestion that – despite the vastly different α-proton coupling constants – the π-spin distributions should be similar in the two series. This result provides further support for the view that the π-spin distribution, in particular, and the cyclic π-delocalisation, in general, are not seriously perturbed by moderate deviations of the π-perimeter from planarity.     

The Radical Anions of [2.2.2.2]Paracyclophane-1,9,17,25-tetraene and Some of its Heteroaromatic Analogues

The radical anions of [2.2.2.2]paracyclophane- 1,9,17,25-tetraene (I), [2] (2, 5)-furano [2]paracyclo [2] (2,5)furano [2]paracyclophane-1,8, 16,23-tetraene (II), [2]-(2,5)thiopheno [2]paracyclo [2] (2,5)thiopheno [2]paracyclophane-1,8,16,23-tetraene (III) and [2.2.2.2](2,5)thiophenophane-1,8,15,22-tetraene (IV) have been studied by ESR. and ENDOR. spectroscopy. The assignment of the proton coupling constants, a_Hμ is to a large extent based on investigations of deuteriated derivatives. These investigations impressively demonstrate the potential of ENDOR. spectroscopy as an analytical tool. The Arrhenius activation energies, E_a, for the rotation of phenylene fragments about the bonds linking them with the ethylenic parts in I ? and II ? are 36±6 and 28±4 kJ/mol, respectively. The value a_Hμ of the olefinic protons in I? appears substantially smaller than expected for the corresponding planar radical anion. The hyperfine data for II ?, III ? and IV ? are consistent with the conformations which should minimize the deviations of the macrocyclic π-systems from planarity. In the case of II ?, tight ion pairs are formed by the radical anion and its counter-ion, K ⊕, in DME , owing to the strong association of the alkali metal cation with one of the furan moieties. An analogous interaction of K ⊕ with a thiophene moiety in III ? must be weaker, since no effects of ion pairing on the ESR. and ENDOR. spectra have been observed for this radical anion.     

π-Spin distribution in the radical anion of benzo[2.2]paracyclophane and its relation to those in the radical anions of [2.2](1,4)naphthalenophanes

Radical anions of benzo[2.2]paracyclophane (V) and its 1,2,12,12,14,15,17,18-octadeuterio derivative (V-d₈) in three ethereal solvents (DME, THF and MTHF) and in the temperature range of ?90 to ?50° have been studied by ESR. and ENDOR. spectroscopy. The resulting hyperfine data provide a detailed picture of the π-spin distribution in V · ? which is in full accord with expectation. In particular, it is noteworthy that the naphthalene moiety accommodates almost the entire π-spin population, as may be anticipated by the higher electron affinity of this π-system relative to benzene. The proton coupling constants for V · ? have been compared with those values for the radical anions of anti- and syn-[2.2](1,4)-naphthalenophanes (II and III, respectively) which were obtained under conditions of low frequency electron transfer between the two equivalent naphthalene moieties. Such a comparison corroborates the interpretation of the results reported previously for II · ? and III · ?.     

The Radical Ions of Benzo[b]biphenylene,a Test for HMO Models of Biphenylene and its Derivatives

ESR.-spectra are reported for the radical anion and the radical cation of benzo[b]-biphenylene (III). Comparison of the proton coupling constants (a_Hμ) for III · ? and III · ⊕ with π-spin populations (?_μ), calculated by the McLachlan procedure, permits a lower limit of 0.77 to be set for the parameter κ = β′/β where β′ represents a reduced value of the HMO integral for the two essentially single bonds linking the benzene with the naphthalene π-system. The differences in the a_Hμ values for III · ? and III · ⊕ are substantially larger than those generally found for the two corresponding radical ions of alternant, purely benzenoid hydrocarbons, but they closely parallel the analogous differences observed for the radical anion and the radical cation of biphenylene.     

The Radical Ions of Indolizino [6,5,4,3-aij]quinoline and Some of its Derivatives

Indolizino [6,5,4,3-aij]quinoline (1) and its 3,9-dimethyl- (2) , di-tert-butyl- (3) and diphenyl- (4) derivatives yield persistent radical cations which have been studied by ESR and ENDOR spectroscopy. The corresponding radical anions have also been prepared, but only that of 3 was amenable to a complete characterization by hyperfine data. The π-spin populations in the radical anions are essentially localized on the 13-membered C-perimeter, and thus both the HOMO and LUMO of 1 exhibit an ‘annulenyl character’. The radical anions of 1 and 2 have gradually been converted into those of the corresponding 3,4-dihydro derivatives ( 1 -H₂ and 2 -H₂) which have been unambiguously identified by a combination of preparative and spectroscopic methods.     

Radical Ions of Conjugated Polycyclic Hydrocarbons Containing Two Phenalenyl π-Systems

The radical cations and the radical of 1,2-bis(phenalen-1-ylidene)ethane ( 1 ), 1,2-bis(phenalen-1-ylidene)ethene ( 2 ) and pentaleno[1,2,3-cd: 4,5,6-c′ d′]diphenalene ( 3 ) have been characterized by ESR and ENDOR spectroscopy. The ease of formation of these radical ions and their π-spin distributions are interpreted in terms of a simple model correlates the frontier orbitals of 1, 2 and 3 with the nonbonding MO's of two phenalenyl π-systems.     

The Radical Anions of N,N′-Dicyanoquinone Diimines,a New Class of Electron Acceptors

The radical anions of 12 N,N′-dicyanoquinone diimines, a new class of electron acceptors, hace been characterized by their hyperfine data with the use of ESR and ENDOR spectroscopy. The largest coupling constant (0.30–0.45 mT), due to the two ¹⁴N nuclei in the exocyclic positions, gives rise to a conspicuous broadening of the peripheral ESR lines by an incomplete averaging of the hyperfine anisotropy. The most plausible interpretation of the experimental results for the radical anions of N,N′-dicyano- 1,4-benzoquinone diimine ( 1 ) and N,N′-Dicyano-9,10-anthraquinone diimine ( 9 ) is in terms of both ‘syn’- and ‘anti’-configurations contributing to the ESR and ENDOR spectra and having equal proton- and ¹⁴N-coupling constants. The π-spin distribution in the radical anions of N,N′-dicyanoquinone diimines is compared with those in the analogous ions of tetracyanoquinodimethanes and quinones.     

Radical Anions of Polyalkylazulenes: An ESR and ENDOR Study

Proton-hyperfine data are reported for the radical anions generated from azulene ( 1 ) and its alkyl derivatives 2 – 11 in 1,2-dimethoxyethane both ‘chemically’ with K and electrolytically. The alkyl derivatives are 1,3-dimethyl- ( 2 ), 5,7-dimethyl- ( 3 ), 1,3,5,7-tetramethyl- ( 4 ), 2-methyl- ( 5 ), 4,6,8-trimethyl- ( 6 ), 2,4,6,8-tetramethyl-( 7 ), 1,3,4,6,8-pentamethyl- ( 8 ), 1,3,4,8-tetramethyl-6-propyl- ( 9 ), 6-(tert-butyl)-1,3,4,8-tetramethyl- ( 10 ), and 1,2,3,4,6,8-hexamethylazulene ( 11 ). Alkyl substituents at the odd-numbered centers μ = 1, 3, 5, and 7 partly shift the π-spin population from the seven- to the five-membered ring, whereas those at the even-numbered centers μ = 4, 6, and 8 exert an opposite effect on the π-spin distribution.     

The Radical Ions of Dipleiadiene (Dicyclohepta[de,ij]naphthalene) and Its 12b,12c-Homo Derivative. An ESR and ENDOR study

The radical anions and the radical cations of dipleiadiene (dicyclohepta[de,ij]naphthalene; 1 ) and its 12b, 12c-homo derivative 2 were characterized by ESR and ENDOR spectroscopy. Their singly occupied orbitals are related to the degenerate nonbonding MOs of a 16-membered π-perimeter. The π-spin distribution over the perimeter is similar in the radical cations 1 ^.+ and 2 ^.+, and an analogous statement holds for the radical anions 1 ^.? and 2 ^.?. However, deviations of the π-system from planarity lead to a decrease in the absolute values of the negative coupling constants of the perimeter protons in 2 ^.+ and 2 ^.? relative to those in 1 ^.+ and 1 ^.?. The hyperfine data for the perimeter protons in the radical ions correlate with the changes in ¹³C chemical shifts on passing from the neutral compounds to the corresponding diions. It is concluded from the coupling constants of the CH₂ protons in the radical ions of 2 that the cation 2 ^.+ exists in the methano-bridged form ( A ) of the neutral 2 (and, presumably, also of the dication 2 ²⁺), whereas the anion 2 ^.? adopts the bisnorcaradiene form ( B ) of the dianion 2 ^2?.     

Ein erstes Beispiel eines porphyrinoiden Fulvalens: Synthese,Struktur, ESR- und elektrochemische Untersuchungen

A First Example of a Porphyrinoid Fulvalene: Synthesis, Structure, ESR and Electrochemical Investigations The macrocyclic tetraepoxy-1H-[21]annulen-1-one 4 can by synthesized by the cyclizing Wittig reaction of 5,5′-carbonylbis[furan-2-carboxaldehyde] ( 11 ) and the bisphosphonium salt 12 , obtained from 2,2′-bifuran-5,5′-dicarboxaldehyde ( 13 ). According to an X-ray structure analysis, the annulenone 4 is not planar in the crystal; the ¹H-NMR spectra of 4 reveal an averaged planarity with respect to the NMR timescale. The McMurry reaction of 4 yields fulvalene 3 in 43% yield as the most expanded fulvalene hithertoo known. The X-ray structure analyses of 3 surprising establishes a ‘syn’-orientation of the two rings with respect to the central C?C bond, thus forming a basket-like molecule. The ¹H-NMR spectrum confirms the averaged planarity of both macrocycles in 3 . CV and spectroelectrochemical measurements of 3 suggest a reversible two-electron reduction producing dianion 15 with two aromatic, anionic 5a,15a-didehydro-10H-21,22,23,24-tetraoxa-5a,15a-dihomocorrole (= tetraoxa[22]porphyrin(2.1.2.0)) ring systems containing 22π electrons each. The formation of 15 can also be achieved chemically by reaction of 3 with metallic potassium. The dication 16 of 3 may be antiaromatic, but the exact electronic structure is dubious. ESR and ENDOR investigations on the radical cation and the radical anion of 3 indicate that the free electron is delocalized in the entire molecule.     

Elektronentransfer und Ionenpaar-Bildung. 46. Mitteilung. Titrationen von Tetracyanethen mit Alkali- und Erdalkalimetallen in aprotischen Lösungen

Electron Transfer and Ion-Pair Formation: Titrations of Tetracyanoethene by Alkaline and Alkaline Earth Metals in Aprotic Solution For alkaline and earth alkaline metal ‘titrations’ of the π-acceptor tetracyanoethene in aprotic (c(H^⊕) < 0.1 ppm) solution, UV/VIS and ESR spectra have been measured in a sealed glas apparatus. Isosbestic points prove uniform but differing metal-mirror reduction processes for [Li]_x, [Na]_x, and [K]_x vs. [Cs]_x. The formation of solvent-shared or solvent-separated contact ion pairs detected is supported by subsequent crystallization and structure determination. For the tetracyanoethene radical anion, semiempirical PM3 calculations with limited configuration interaction allow to reproduce the structural data as well as the long-wavelength charge transfer excitation.     

Radical Ions in the Pentalene Series. Part. I. 1,3,5-tri-t-butylpentalene

The ESR. spectra of the radical anion and cation of 1, 3, 5-tri-t-butylpentalene (II) have been reexamined under higher resolution. With the assistance of the ENDOR. technique, the coupling constants of all protons in II?. and II?. could be determined. The experimental data agree satisfactorily with the values predicted by the simple MO model which suggests that the π-spin distributions in II?. and II?. should not strongly differ from those in the corresponding radical ions of parent pentalene (I). As in the case of other non-alternant hydrocarbons, the proton coupling constants for II?. are very sensitive to experimental conditions, due to the association of the radical anion with its counterion. Spectra of II?. taken at low temperatures (down to 133 and 163 K for ESR. and ENDOR., respectively) have not revealed specific line-broadening which could arise from the bond shift between the two Kekulé-structures of pentalene.     

Unusual Features in the ESR. Spectra of 1, 6-Methano[10] annulene Radical Anion. A modified mcconnell equation for non-planar π-radicals

ESR. spectra of the radical anions of 1, 6-methano[10]annulene (I) and its 2,5,7,10-tetradeuterio derivative II are reported for a temperature range of over 100°. The abnormally small magnitudes of the α-proton coupling constants are attributed to the deviation of the tenmembered π-perimeter from planarity; an extension of the McConnell equation is proposed to achieve agreement between theory and experiment. It is suggested that the marked temperature-dependence of the ESR. spectra arises from slight changes in geometry which for I^? should have a more pronounced effect on the α-proton coupling constants than for planar π-radicals.     

Spin delocalization on curved surface π-system: Corannulene with iminonitroxide

In order to stabilize neutral radicals with curved surface π-system and to evaluate their π-spin structures, we recently reported design and synthesis of an oxoverdazyl derivative with corannulene as the first stable bowl-shaped neutral radical. Spectroscopic and theoretical studies revealed that appreciable amount of π-spin density is delocalized onto the corannulene moiety with most of the π-spin density localized on the oxoverdazyl moiety. In this study, we have designed and synthesized an iminonitroxide derivative with corannulene as a novel bowl-shaped neutral radical with a higher stability than the oxoverdazyl derivative with corannulene. ESR/ENDOR/TRIPLE spectroscopies and density functional theory calculations have shown that the π-spin delocalization onto the corannulene moiety is lower than that of the oxoverdazyl derivative with corannulene in the ground state. A degree of π-conjugation between the corannulene moiety and the iminonitroxide moiety has also been evaluated by UV–Vis measurements.     

The Radical Ions of Naphtho [1,8-cd]-[1,2,6]thiadiazine and Some of Its Derivatives

The radical cations and anions of naphtho [1,8-cd]-[1,2,6]thiadiazine (1) and 6,7-dihydroacenaphtho [5, 6-cd]-[1,2,6]thiadiazine (2) , as well as the radical anion of acenaphtho [5, 6-cd]-[1,2,6]thiadiazine (3) have been characterized by ESR. spectroscopy. The π-spin distributions in the radical cations \documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ 1^{\oplus \atop \dot{}}$\end{document} and \documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ 2^{\oplus \atop \dot{}}$\end{document} strongly resemble those in the iso-π-electronic phenalenyl radical. A prominent feature of the radical anions \documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ 1^{\ominus \atop \dot{}}$\end{document}, \documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ 2^{\ominus \atop \dot{}}$\end{document} and \documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ 3^{\ominus \atop \dot{}}$\end{document} is the substantial localization of the π-spin population on the thiadiazine fragment. These findings are satisfactorily accounted for by HMO models using conventional heteroatom parameters.     

The Radical Cations of 4,5,7,13,15,16-Hexamethyl- and 4,5,7,8,12,13,15,16-Octamethyl [2.2]paracyclophane

4,5,7,13,15,16-Hexamethyl- (3) and 4,5,7,8,12,13,15,16-octamethyl[2.2]paracyclophane (4) have been oxidized to their radical cations in solution under relatively mild conditions. Substantial hyperfine splittings in the ESR. spectra of 3⊕. and 4⊕. arise from the methyl protons, whereas those from methylene protons are very small. This result indicates that the ethano bridges, unlike the methyl substituents, are rather ineffective in delocalizing the positive charge in 3⊕. and 4⊕. It is in line with the interpretation proposed previously to rationalize the gas-phase ionization potentials of multiply bridged [2_N]cyclophanes and methyl derivatives of [2.2]paracyclophane. The π-spin distributions in 3⊕. and 4⊕. are discussed in terms of a simple model in which the singly occupied orbitals are represented as the antibonding combinations of two benzene HOMO's.     

Elektronenstruktur und physikalisch-chemische Eigenschaften von Azo-Verbindungen. Teil XIV: Die Konformation des Benzalanilins

A re-evaluation of the electronic spectra of benzalaniline (II), 3, 3-dimethyl-2-phenyl-indolenine (X), mono-aryl substituted azomethines (XI, XIV, XV) and trimethylindolenine (XII) as well as of their conjugate acids strongly supports the hypothesis of ISMAILSKI & SMIRNOV [14] and of EBARA [15] that benzalaniline exists in a preferred peri-perpendicular conformation. The same is true for N-phenylazomethines. The n → π* transition of a ‘planar benzalaniline’ has been located at 27 600 cm^?1 (ε ≈ 60).