Highly Stable 1,2-Dicarbonyl Radical Cations Derived from N-Heterocyclic Carbenes

The present manuscript describes the design, synthesis, and characterization of the most stable organic radical reported up to date.

Here we report:

▪ Synthesis and full characterization including X-ray structure of stable 1,2-dicarbonyl radicals

▪ Proposed mechanism for the formation of the presented radicals

▪ Redox reactivity of the radicals

▪ Stability of the radicals under various organic and inorganic conditions