Half-wave potentials of quinone methides in dimethylformamide: Substituent effects

Half-wave potentials of two series of quinone methides A have been determined in 0.1M tetrabutylammonium perchlorate in dimethylformamide. the first series (type I; 14 compounds) contained fuchsones substituted in positions 2 and 2,6 of the quinonoid ring, the second series (type II and III; 17 compounds) consisted of 2,6-ditert-butylquinone methides, with substituents at the exocyclic C(7) carbon atom. Properties of the first polarographic wave proved that in both series the reaction is one-electron, reversible, diffusion-controlled process. Linear free energy relationship was found between E1/2 and dual substituent constants σI and σR. Statistical analysis of linear free energy relationship for 2- and 2,6-substituted derivatives proved absence of steric factor in transmission of electronic substituent effect. The experimental results were interpreted on the basis of LUMO energies and spin densities, calculated by the HMO method.