R. Compton, B. A. Coles, M. J. Day
Mar 25, 1986
Citations
0
Influential Citations
9
Citations
Journal
Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry
Abstract
Abstract The oxidation of triphenylacetic acid in acetonitrile on platinum electrodes at + 1.94 V (vs. SCE) results in the formation of triphenylmethylcarbonium ions. If the potential is subsequently stepped to values negative of the Φ 3 C + /Φ 3 C · standard electrode potential (+0.25 V vs. SCE), reduction to the triphenylmethyl radical is seen. In rigorously anhydrous conditions no radicals other than Φ 3 C . can be detected by ESR. However in moist acetonitrile, oxidation at +1.94 V followed by reduction at −1.80 V results in complicated spectrum shown to be due to two radicals, namely the radical anions of benzoquinone and benzophenone. A mechanism to account for the formation of these is suggested.