Evidence for the interaction between tBuOK and 1,10-phenanthroline to form the 1,10-phenanthroline radical anion: a key step for the activation of aryl bromides by electron transfer

Electron paramagnetic resonance and electrochemistry are utilized to the interaction between 1,10-phenanthroline (Phen) and KOtBu to form the radical anion Phen˙−via an inner-sphere electron transfer. An aryl radical is then formed from aryl bromide via outer-sphere electron transfer from Phen˙−.