Multi-Stage Redox Systems Based on Dicationic P-Containing Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

We report the straightforward synthesis of unprecedented electron-acceptors based on dicationic P-containing PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) based on copper mediated radical approach. In these systems, two phosphoniums are connected through various PAHs backbones. The impact of pi-extension on both the optical and redox properties is investigated using a joint experimental (UV/Vis absorption, fluorescence and cyclic voltammetry) and theoretical approach (TD-DFT calculations). Finally, (spectro)-electrochemical studies prove that these compounds possess three redox states and EPR studies confirm the in situ formation of an organic radical delocalized on the PAH backbone.