Reactivity indices as a measure of rate constants for protonation of radical anions and dianions

Abstract

The DFT-based reactivity indices were used to describe protonation reactions of radical anions (RA) and dianions (DA) of aromatic compounds. A correlation between the experimental rate constants for protonation and the global reactivity indices was found. The indices were expressed through the electron affinities and ionization energies computed at the B3LYP level of theory. The protonation reactions of RA and DA of aromatic compounds are correctly described by the reactivity indices calculated as the inverse of the difference between the formal formation potential of RA (or DA) and the formal reduction potential of the proton donor.