Elucidation of Intramolecular Through-Space Electronic Communication in a Propeller-Shaped Molecule.

A novel π-extended trinaphtho[3.3.3]propellane (TNP) derivative was prepared and through-space electronic communication in its radical cation species was characterized by electrochemical and spectroscopic methods. Cyclic voltammetry and UV/Vis-NIR titrations suggested weak electronic communication among the three aromatic rings. Variable-temperature ESR measurements of the radical cation showed a drastic change in the spectra in the range of 230-180 K, indicating hopping-type spin delocalization that would originate from migration of a counter anion.