Coulombic-enhanced hetero radical pairing interactions

Nat Commun. 2018 May 17;9(1):1961. doi: 10.1038/s41467-018-04335-0.

Abstract

Spin-spin interactions between two identical aromatic radicals have been studied extensively and utilized to establish supramolecular recognition. Here we report that spin-pairing interactions could also take place between two different π-electron radicals, namely a bipyridinium radical cation (BPY+•) and a naphthalene-1,8:4,5-bis(dicarboximide) radical anion (NDI─•). The occurrence of this type of previously unreported hetero radical-pairing interactions is attributed to enhancement effect of Coulombic attraction between these two radicals bearing opposite charges. The Coulombic-enhanced hetero radical pairing interactions are employed to drive host-guest recognition, as well as the reversible switching of a bistable [2]rotaxane.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't