Einelektronen-Redoxreaktionen von 4-(1-Pyridinio)phenolat-Betain: ESR/ENDOR-Charakterisierung seiner Radikalionen und ‘Batterie-Effekt’

One-Electron Redox Reactions of 4-(1-Pyridinio)phenolate Betaine: ESR/ENDOR Characterization of its Radical Ions and ‘Battery Effect’ Blue zwitterionic 2,6-Di(tert-butyl)-4-(2,4,6-triphenyl-1-pyridinio)phenolate 1a can be reduced to its blue-green radical anion ${\bf 1}^{- \atop \dot{}}$ using alkaline metals, and oxidized to its colorless radical cation 1 by Ag(OOCCF₃) or electrochemically. ESR/ENDOR spectra of their aprotic THF solutions indicate predominant spin population either in the pyridinium (${\bf 1a}^{- \atop \dot{}}$) or in the phenolate ring (${\bf 1a}^{+ \atop \dot{}}$). Reduction with other alkaline metals Li, Na, or Cs yields no changes in the ESR/ENDOR signal patterns, i.e. provides no indication of radical ion pair formation. The cyclovoltammetrically determined first reduction and oxidation potentials at ?1.11 V and +0.26 V, respectively, are both reversible and, in principle, allow to construct a molecular battery.