Biaryl Anion Radical Formation by Potassium Metal Reduction of Aryl Isocyanates and Triaryl Isocyanurates.

The potassium metal reduction of aryl isocyanates (aryl = phenyl, -tolyl, 3,5-dimethylphenyl, 4-biphenylyl, and 1-naphthyl) in THF with 18-crown-6 or in HMPA results in the formation of the corresponding triaryl isocyanurate anion radicals. Continued exposure to potassium results in loss of the isocyanurate anion radical and the eventual formation of the respective biaryl anion radical. The 1,1'-binaphthyl anion radical is found to undergo a cyclodehydrogenation reaction, which leads to formation of the perylene anion radical.