Multistage Organic Redox Systems—A General Structural Principle

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Abstract
A general structural principle for organic compounds that have the capacity for two‐stage electron transfer is based on the following reaction sequence: equation image In this scheme one or both of the entities X may be replaced by Y⊖. The radical partners in these systems often have very high thermodynamic stability. The choice of the end groups X and Y, (partial) inclusion of n‐systems in rings, alteration of the number of vinylene groups, and aza‐substitution make many variations possible. By means of this general structural principle numerous known compounds are brought together and new redox systems are simultaneously set up. The aim of the present review is to demonstrate the broad applicability of this principle, to indicate its significance for science and industry, and to describe some reactions.