Electron spin resonance studies of aromatic hydrocarbon radical ions. Part IV. t-Butylacenaphthene anions

Abstract

The radical anions of 3-, 4-, and 5-t-butylacenaphthene and 3,8-di-t-butylacenaphthene have been prepared by reduction with alkali metals in ether solvents. Analysis of their e.s.r. spectra indicates the hyperfine coupling from the t-butyl groups is not resolved and hence leads to simplification of the spectra. The observed coupling constants are in agreement with those predicted by a Hückel inductive MO model for these compounds. Ion pairing effects are observed with different solvents and counterions and are related to a McClelland electrostatic ion pair model. Some paramagnetic decomposition products are observed and their possible structures are determined from their e.s.r. spectra.