Both Oxidation and Reduction of Aromatic Hydrocarbons by an Electrolysis Cell Designed for Low-temperature ESR Studies

Abstract

A simple two-electrode cell for low-temperature electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements has been designed. A helical gold wire, the working electrode with large surface area (12 cm2), generated intra muros enough positive or negative ions to measure the ESR spectra of unstable radical ions at low temperatures. To test the electrolysis conditions of the cell, the ESR spectra of about 20 aromatic compounds have been observed at temperatures as low as −90 °C. It has been shown that the cell can be applicable to the compounds with half-wave potential of 1.5 to −3.7 V SCE, provided that the ions produced are not reactive. The experimental conditions of the dimer cation generation have also been checked in polar or nonpolar solvents.