Radical Cation and Neutral Radical of Aza-thia[7]helicene with SOMO-HOMO Energy Level Inversion.

Abstract

We report a relatively persistent, open-shell aza-thia[7]helicene with cross-conjugated electron-rich π-system. The singly occupied molecular orbital (SOMO) energy levels of both radical cation and neutral radical of the [7]helicene are below the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy levels, thereby violating the Aufbau principle. The aza-thia[7]helicene is prepared from β-hexathiophene by a three-step one-pot reaction, in which the pyrrole ring is constructed by two consecutive C–N bond formations. Chemical oxidation converts the helicene to its radical cation, while in the presence of base (Cs2CO3), the oxidation gives neutral aminyl radical, likely via proton dissociation from the aminium radical cation with a low pKa. Reaction of the aza-thia[7]helicene with NaH provides the corresponding anion, which shows characteristic cyclic voltammetry wave at anodic peak potential Epa ≈ +0.2 V. Chemical oxidation of the anion with ferrocenium hexafluorophosphate at room temperature gives persistent ne...