Structural Dependence in a One-electron Transfer Process: Naphthalene peri Ketones

Abstract
The cyclic voltammetry of several naphthalene peri ketones was carried out in anhydrous DMF containing TBAP. The cathodic peak potential for carbonyl reduction was found to be shifted toward a more anodic potential when carbonyl, oxygen, and sulfur groups were present in the peri position. The controlled potential electrolysis of peri diketones gave an intramolecular coupling product via a bis-anion radical.