Alternative charge stabilisation and a changing reactivity of 1,3,5-triazine based starburst compounds as studied by in situ ESR/UV–vis–NIR spectroelectrochemistry

The role of the chemical structure in an alternative charge stabilisation and a changing reactivity of star-shaped compounds with a central triazine ring linked to aryl groups like thiophene, furan or ethylenedioxythiophene synthesized by a Stille cross-coupling procedure, is followed by spectroelectrochemical measurements. While cathodic reduction leads to stable anion radicals with a delocalised spin on the central triazine moiety, dimerisation and oligomerisation occurs upon anodic oxidation. The stability of the charged states in the polymer film increased substantially using an EDOT (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) side group. The location of the charged states on the molecules has been proved by computations. These star-shaped molecules are excellent model structures for studies of the competition of dimerisation and oligomerisation processes based on the variation of the electron and spin distribution in the molecules.