D. Geske, A. Maki
Jun 1, 1960
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Journal
Journal of the American Chemical Society
Abstract
Abstract : The nitrobenzene anion radical, (.C6H5NO2)(-), was prepared by constant potential electrolysis of nitrobenzene solutions at a mercury pool electrode placed directly inside the microwave cavity of an electron spin resonance spectrometer. Acetonitrile was used as a solvent with tetra-n-propylammonium perchlorate as supporting electrolyte. Well-resolved electron spin resonance spectra of the radical reduction product exhibit a hyperfine structure consisting of fifty-four components. Hyperfine coupling constants were assigned for the interaction of the unpaired electron with the various ring protons and the nitrogen nucleus. The odd electron distribution in the molecule is seen to be at least qualitatively in agreement with that predicted by conventional valence bond theory. The large hyperfine interaction with the nitrogen nuclear moment is presumed to arise from a sigma-pi exchange interaction on the nitrogen atom. Electrochemical generation in acetonitrile offers advantages over conventional alkali metal reductions in solvents such as tetrahydrofuran and 1,2-dimethoxyethane. (Author)