Macromolecular polyradicals with cyclic triphosphazene as a core. Spectral and electrochemical properties

Stable cyclotriphosphazenes 5 and 6, with three and four carbon radical centers, have been prepared by condensation of (4-hydroxy-2,6-dichlorophenyl)bis(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)methyl radical (4) with tetrachloro-2,2'-dioxybiphenylcyclotriphosphazene (7). EPR studies of both polyradicals in fluid solution suggest an electronic communication through the PN multiple bonds of the cycle. EPR spectral results in frozen solutions and magnetic susceptibility measurements in the solid are consistent with very weak electron-electron dipolar interactions. Reductive cyclic voltammetry shows a single three-electron redox couple for triradical 5 and a single four-electron redox couple for tetraradical 6. Both polyradicals 5 and 6 have been chemically oxidized to a stable trication 5(3+) and a tetracation 6(4+), respectively, by electron-transfer reactions.