Reduction of 2- H-substituted pyrrolinium cations: the carbon-carbon single bond in air stable 2,2'-bipyrrolidines as a two-electron-source

Chem Commun (Camb). 2023 May 30;59(44):6698-6701. doi: 10.1039/d3cc00891f.

Abstract

Reduction of 2-H-substituted pyrrolinium cations via initially formed secondary radicals results in either dimerisation or H-abstracted products, while the outcome depends on the N-substituents. The resultant central carbon-carbon single bond in the dimerised 2,2'-bipyrrolidine derivatives can be oxidised chemically and electrochemically. The notably air and moisture-stable dimers were subsequently utilised as a source of two electrons in various chemical transformations.