Spreading out spin density in polyphenalenyl radicals

Abstract

As suggested by simple topological arguments, monoradical arrangements of properly-oriented polycondensed phenalenyl units can produce highly-delocalized spin distributions. This work examines under which geometrical conditions and to which extent these flat distributions take place. UDFT calculations performed on various instances gathering up to 19 such fused phenalene units confirm the spin-density spreading over entire conjugated skeletons. This occurs, however, with more or less uniformity depending on the compacity of the arrangement, and simple linear stretches do not actually support the delocalized picture. Thermodynamic stability of the radicals is assessed, which follows their delocalization degree. Monocations and monoanions derived from these delocalized radicals are expected to support likewise delocalized charges, as checked by various calculations on corresponding closed-shell ions. Altogether, these attributes might lead to possible applications in organic design, electronic devices, and spintronics.