Electron Transfer Triggers Fast Dimer/Monomer Switching of Pyridinium and Quinolinium Cations

Abstract

N-Heteroaromatic cations with quaternary pyridine-type nitrogen atoms have a rich application potential due to their bioactivity, fluorescence, and redox properties. Reactivityof radicals formed by reduction of such compounds is of key importance. We report the electron transfer mechanismof four novel compounds containing pyridinium, quinolinium, and benzothiazolium moiety. The reduction of pyridinium and quinolinium derivatives by one electron yields radicals that very rapidly form σ-dimers. Dimers can be converted to parent cations by oxidation, which proceeds at considerably higher potentials. Hence the dimerization can be reversibly switched by application of the appropriate electrode potential. In contrast, in benzothiazolium derivative the electron transfer yields a stable radical in which the follow-up dimerization reaction is completely blocked. Analysis of experimental data as well as theoretical models led to the identification of dimerization sites in reduced pyridinium and quinolinium species....