The first main-group element radical based one-dimensional magnetic chain (1K)n was realized by one-electron reduction of the pyridinyl functionalized borane 1 with elemental potassium in THF in the absence of 18-crown-6 (18-c-6). The electron spin density of (1K)n mainly resides at the boron centers with a considerable contribution from central benzene and pyridine moieties. The spin centers exhibit an antiferromagnetic interaction as demonstrated by magnetic measurements and theoretical calculations. In contrast, the reduction in the presence of 18-c-6 afforded the separated radical anion salt 1K(Crown), in which the potassium cation was trapped by THF and 18-c-6 molecules. Further one-electron reduction of 1K(Crown) and (1K)n led to the diamagnetic monomer and polymer, respectively.
Keywords: borane; main-group elements; polymers; pyridine; radical anions.
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