Mechanical bonds and topological effects in radical dimer stabilization

J Am Chem Soc. 2014 Aug 6;136(31):11011-26. doi: 10.1021/ja504662a. Epub 2014 Jul 29.

Abstract

While mechanical bonding stabilizes tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) radical dimers, the question arises: what role does topology play in catenanes containing TTF units? Here, we report how topology, together with mechanical bonding, in isomeric [3]- and doubly interlocked [2]catenanes controls the formation of TTF radical dimers within their structural frameworks, including a ring-in-ring complex (formed between an organoplatinum square and a {2+2} macrocyclic polyether containing two 1,5-dioxynaphthalene (DNP) and two TTF units) that is topologically isomeric with the doubly interlocked [2]catenane. The separate TTF units in the two {1+1} macrocycles (each containing also one DNP unit) of the isomeric [3]catenane exhibit slightly different redox properties compared with those in the {2+2} macrocycle present in the [2]catenane, while comparison with its topological isomer reveals substantially different redox behavior. Although the stabilities of the mixed-valence (TTF2)(•+) dimers are similar in the two catenanes, the radical cationic (TTF(•+))2 dimer in the [2]catenane occurs only fleetingly compared with its prominent existence in the [3]catenane, while both dimers are absent altogether in the ring-in-ring complex. The electrochemical behavior of these three radically configurable isomers demonstrates that a fundamental relationship exists between topology and redox properties.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Dimerization*
  • Electrochemistry
  • Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Free Radicals / chemistry
  • Heterocyclic Compounds / chemistry*
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Mechanical Phenomena*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Free Radicals
  • Heterocyclic Compounds
  • tetrathiafulvalene