Sterically Directed Functionalization of the Redox-Active Bis(imino)acenaphthene Ligand Class: An Experimental and Theoretical Investigation

The synthesis, characterization, and theoretical study of the sterically directed functionalization of the redox-active bis(imino)acenaphthene (BIAN) ligand class has been explored. With dependence on the steric congestion encompassing the N-C-C-N fragment of the Ar-BIAN ligand, functionalization can be directed to proceed either via a radical backbone dearomatization or a nucleophilic imine C-alkylation pathway. The structures of the Ar-BIAN …