Resonance-stabilized 1,2,3-dithiazolo-1,2,3-dithiazolyls as neutral pi-radical conductors

Alkylation of the zwitterionic heterocycle 8-chloro-bis[1,2,3]dithiazolo[4,5-b:5',4'-e]pyridine (ClBP) with alkyl triflates affords 8-chloro-4-alkyl-4H-bis[1,2,3]dithiazolo[4,5-b:5',4'-e]pyridin-2-ium triflates [ClBPR][OTf] (R = Me, Et, Pr). Reduction of these salts with decamethylferrocene affords the corresponding ClBPR radicals as thermally stable crystalline solids. The radicals have been characterized in solution by cyclic voltammetry and EPR spectroscopy. Measured electrochemical cell potentials and computed (B3LYP/6-31G) gas-phase disproportionation enthalpies are consistent with a low on-site Coulombic barrier U to charge transfer in the solid state. The crystal structures of ClBPR (R = Me, Et, Pr) have been determined by X-ray crystallography (at 293 K). All three structures consist of slipped pi-stacks of undimerized radicals, with many close intermolecular S.S contacts. ClBPMe undergoes a phase transition at 93 K to a slightly modified slipped pi-stack arrangement, the structure of which has also been established crystallographically (at 25 K). Variable-temperature magnetic and conductivity measurements have been performed, and the results interpreted in light of extended Hückel band calculations. The room-temperature conductivities of ClBPR systems (sigma(RT) approximately 10(-)(5) to 10(-)(6) S cm(-)(1)), as well as the weak 1D ferromagnetism exhibited by ClBPMe, are interpreted in terms of weak intermolecular overlap along the pi-stacks. The latter is caused by slippage of the molecular plates, a feature necessitated by the steric size of the R and Cl groups on the pyridine ring.