Repository logo
 

Stimulus-Mediated Ultrastable Radical Formation

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

McCune, JA 
Kuehnel, MF 
Scherman, OA 

Abstract

Organic radicals are reactive, often short-lived species typically formed through either the addition of a chemical agent or photochemical means. On account of their open-shell electronic structure they have attracted attention based upon their magnetic properties and desirable spectroscopic behaviour. Redox sensitive molecules such as viologen (V) undergo one-electron reductions to form radical species. These species hold significant potential in myriad applications but are limited as they are rapidly quenched by oxygen in air. Using methyl viologen as an example, we show that the MV radical (MV+·) can be formed through electrochemical, chemical, photochemical and a novel thermal stimulus in various Deep Eu- tectic Solvents (DES) and was found to be exceptionally stable. The conductive properties of DES allowed for fabrication of an aerobic electrochromic device through a straightforward, economical approach. Our report represents a unique approach to extend reactive radical lifetimes in air without alteration of the parent structure.

Description

Keywords

34 Chemical Sciences, 3406 Physical Chemistry

Journal Title

Chem

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

2451-9308
2451-9294

Volume Title

6

Publisher

Elsevier BV

Rights

All rights reserved
Sponsorship
European Research Council (726470)
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EP/L027151/1)
Christian Doppler Forschungsgesellschaft (unknown)
EPSRC (EP/K503757/1)
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EP/K503009/1)
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EP/G060649/1)
J.A.M. would like to acknowledge the EPSRC for a PhD studentship (EP/K503009/1). O.A.S. acknowledges ERC Consolidator grant CAM-RIG (No.726470) and UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council grant EP/L027151/1. M.F.K. and E.R. acknowledge Christian Doppler Research Association (Austrian Federal Ministry of Science, Research and Economy and the National Foundation for Research, Technology and Development), the OMV Group and the EPSRC (IAA Follow-on Fund).