Intramolecular Electron Transfer between 2,5-Dimethoxy-1,4-phenylene Units in [n.n]Paracyclophane Radical Cations

Abstract

A range of [n.n]paracyclophane radical cations (4·+−12·+), in which two 2,5-dimethoxy-1,4-phenylene units are connected by alkano bridges of varying length, have been studied by ESR and ENDOR spectroscopy. In the [2.2]- and [3.3]paracyclophane radical cations 4·+−6·+, 10·+ and 11·+ the delocalization of the unpaired electron over both π-moieties and the distinct difference between the first and second oxidation potentials, ΔE = E20 − E10, are evidence for a strong intramolecular electronic interaction between the two electrophores. The [5.5] and [7.7] species (8·+ and 9·+) are localized radical cations at low temperature (ca. 220 K). At room temperature, the higher molecular flexibility leads to a significant increase in the number of internal collisions between the electrophores, resulting in a fast (ESR time scale) intramolecular electron transfer. The intermediate [4.4]paracyclophane radical cations 7·+ and 12·+ are apparently also localized radical cations. The close interplanar distance between the two π-moieties, however, facilitates their mutual contacts. In 7·+, the intramolecular electron transfer becomes fast on the ESR time scale at room temperature; in 12·+ the transfer is fast over the temperature range 200−300 K.