One-dimensional single-helix coordination polymer self-assembled by a crown-ether appended-N-heteroacene radical anion.

A crown-ether appended N-heteroacene 1 was reduced in the presence of NaBPh4 to the radical anion 2 by accepting one electron transferred from both the cathode and BPh4- as a reductant. The obtained radical anion 2 can function as a radical anion ligand to bridge two sodium ions to self-assemble into one-dimensional helical coordination polymers.