Electron spin resonance spectrum of the xanthen radical anion

Abstract

The radical anions of xanthen and several of its derivatives have been prepared by the action of potassium on a solution of the parent compound in dimethoxyethane at –70°. The e.s.r. spectra of these species are reported and compared with the results of MO calculations. It is suggested that the xanthen radical anion is not symmetrical but that the electron is localised on one of the benzene rings and jumps rapidly between the two sites. The radicals decompose at higher temperatures to yield other radicals some of which have been identified.