Effect of axially bound anions on the electroreduction of tin(IV) porphyrins in tetrahydrofuran

The spectroscopic characterization and electrochemistry of SnL(X)2 is presented where L is the dianion of tetra-p-tolylporphyrin or tetra-m-tolylporphyrin and X is ClO4–, Br–, Cl–, F–, or OH–. In all cases, electroreduction leads to porphyrin π anion radicals and dianions which were characterized in tetrahydrofuran by spectroelectrochemistry and e.s.r. spectroscopy. Dissociation of one ClO4– ion from SnL(ClO4)2 occurs before electroreduction of the complex but no dissociation is observed either before or after electroreduction of SnL(F)2 or SnL(OH)2. In contrast, one Br– ion dissociates after the first electron addition to SnL(Br)2 while one Cl– ion dissociates from SnL(Cl)2 after the secon…