Electroreduction of benzo-1,2,3-dithiazolium salts and their selenium analogs in nonaqueous solution

The electroreduction of benzo-1,2,3-dithiazolium cations and their selenium analogs in aprotic solvents takes place in two steps. The first step is a reversible, one-electron transfer leading to the formation of stable radicals detected by EPR. As a result of further electroreduction, the radicals obtained combine with six electrons to form the corresponding o-aminothio(seleno)phenols. Analysis of the reduction potentials of the compounds studied shows that the substitution of a selenium atom for a sulfur in these cations, especially in the 2 position of the heterocycle, facilitates their electrochemical reduction. The electrochemical activity and the kinetics of nulceophilic substitution in the cations studied are compared.