Preparation and Characterization of Persistent Maltose-Conjugated Triphenylmethyl Radicals

The condensation reaction of d-maltose to free radicals of the series of tris­(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)­methyl (TTM) and tris­(perchlorophenyl)­methyl (PTM) has been described for the first time. The new persistent radicals 1 and 2 are very stable and have been characterized by EPR. Their cyclic voltammograms show a quasi-reversible process in the cathode, being reduced to the corresponding anions, with redox potentials a little lower than those of TTM and PTM, respectively. Their oxidant activity is in close relation with their reduction potentials. Therefore, while 2 is reduced by ascorbic acid, 1 remains unaltered.