Scandium Ion-Promoted Electron-Transfer Disproportionation of 2-Phenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl 3-Oxide (PTIO•) in Acetonitrile and Its Regeneration Induced by Water

2-Phenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl 3-oxide (PTIO•), a persistent nitronyl nitroxide radical, has been used for the detection and trapping of nitric oxide, as a redox mediator for batteries, for the activity estimation of antioxidants, and so on. However, there is no report on the reactivity of PTIO• in the presence of redox-inactive metal ions. In this study, it is demonstrated that the addition of scandium triflate, Sc(OTf)3 (OTf = OSO2CF3), to an acetonitrile (MeCN) solution of PTIO• resulted in an electron-transfer disproportionation to generate the corresponding cation (PTIO+) and anion (PTIO-), the latter of which is suggested to be stabilized by Sc3+ to form [(PTIO)Sc]2+. The decay of the absorption band at 361 nm due to PTIO•, monitored using a stopped-flow technique, obeyed second-order kinetics. The second-order rate constant for the disproportionation, thus determined, increased with increasing the Sc(OTf)3 concentration to reach a constant value. A drastic change in the cyclic voltammogram recorded for PTIO• in deaerated MeCN containing 0.10 M Bu4NClO4 was also observed upon addition of Sc(OTf)3, suggesting that the large positive shift of the one-electron reduction potential of PTIO• (equivalent to the one-electron oxidation potential of PTIO-) in the presence of Sc(OTf)3 may result in the disproportionation. When H2O was added to the PTIO•-Sc(OTf)3 system in deaerated MeCN, PTIO• was completely regenerated. It is suggested that the complex formation of Sc3+ with H2O may weaken the interaction between PTIO- and Sc3+, leading to electron-transfer comproportionation to regenerate PTIO•. The reversible disproportionation of PTIO• was also confirmed by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy.

Efficient Scavenging of TEMPOL Radical by Ascorbic Acid in Solution and Related Prolongation of 13C and 1H Nuclear Spin Relaxation Times of the Solute

Dynamic nuclear polarization for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and imaging uses free radicals to strongly enhance the NMR signal of a compound under investigation. At the same time, the radicals shorten significantly its nuclear spin relaxation times which reduces the time window available for the experiments. Radical scavenging can overcome this drawback. Our work presents a detailed study of the reduction of the TEMPOL radical by ascorbic acid in solution by high-resolution NMR. Carbon-13 and hydrogen-1 nuclear spin relaxations are confirmed to be restored to their values without TEMPOL. Reaction mechanism, kinetics, and the influence of pD and viscosity are thoroughly discussed. The detailed investigation conducted in this work should help with choosing suitable concentrations in the samples for dynamic nuclear polarization and optimizing the measurement protocols.

Rate Equations for Reversible Disproportionation Reactions and Fitting to Time-Course Data

Integrated rate equations are straightforward to fit to experimental data to verify a proposed mechanism and to extract kinetic parameters. Such equations are derived for reversible disproportionation/comproportionation reactions with any set of initial concentrations. Extraction of forward and reverse rate constants from experimental data by fitting the rate law to the data is demonstrated for the disproportionation of 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyl-N-oxyl (TEMPO) under acidic conditions where the approach to equilibrium is observed.

Uncovering Nitrosyl Reactivity at N-Heterocyclic Carbene Center

N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) have garnered much attention due to their unique properties, such as strong σ-donating and π-accepting abilities, as well as their transition-metal-like reactivity toward small molecules. In 2015, we discovered that NHCs can react with nitric oxide (NO) gas to form radical adducts that resemble transition metal nitrosyl complexes. To elucidate the analogy between NHC and transition metal NO adducts, here we have undertaken a systematic investigation of the electron- and proton-transfer chemistry of [NHC-NO]⋅ (N-heterocyclic carbene nitric oxide radical) compounds. We have accessed a suite of compounds, comprised of [NHC-NO]+ , [NHC-NO]- , [NHC-NOH]0 , and [NHC-NHOH]+ species. In particular, [NHC-NO]- was isolated as potassium and lithium ion adducts. Most interestingly, a monomeric potassium [NHC-NO]- compound was isolated with the assistance of 18-crown-6, which is the first instance of a monomeric alkali N-oxyl compound to the best of our knowledge. Our results demonstrate that [NHC-NO]⋅ exhibits redox behavior broadly similar to metal nitrosyl complexes, which opens up more possibilities for utilizing NHCs to build on the known reactivity of metal complexes.

Redox: Organic Robust Radicals and Their Polymers for Energy Conversion/Storage Devices

Persistent radicals can hold their unpaired electrons even under conditions where they accumulate, leading to the unique characteristics of radical ensembles with open-shell structures and their molecular properties, such as magneticity, radical trapping, catalysis, charge storage, and electrical conductivity. The molecules also display fast, reversible redox reactions, which have attracted particular attention for energy conversion and storage devices. This paper reviews the electrochemical aspects of persistent radicals and the corresponding macromolecules, radical polymers. Radical structures and their redox reactions are introduced, focusing on redox potentials, bistability, and kinetic constants for electrode reactions and electron self-exchange reactions. Unique charge transport and storage properties are also observed with the accumulated form of redox sites in radical polymers. The radical molecules have potential electrochemical applications, including in rechargeable batteries, redox flow cells, photovoltaics, diodes, and transistors, and in catalysts, which are reviewed in the last part of this paper.

Organic Synthesis Using Nitroxides

Nitroxides, also known as nitroxyl radicals, are long-lived or stable radicals with the general structure R1R2N-O•. The spin distribution over the nitroxide N and O atoms contributes to the thermodynamic stability of these radicals. The presence of bulky N-substituents R1 and R2 prevents nitroxide radical dimerization, ensuring their kinetic stability. Despite their reactivity toward various transient C radicals, some nitroxides can be easily stored under air at room temperature. Furthermore, nitroxides can be oxidized to oxoammonium salts (R1R2N═O+) or reduced to anions (R1R2N-O-), enabling them to act as valuable oxidants or reductants depending on their oxidation state. Therefore, they exhibit interesting reactivity across all three oxidation states. Due to these fascinating properties, nitroxides find extensive applications in diverse fields such as biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, materials science, and organic synthesis. This review focuses on the versatile applications of nitroxides in organic synthesis. For their use in other important fields, we will refer to several review articles. The introductory part provides a brief overview of the history of nitroxide chemistry. Subsequently, the key methods for preparing nitroxides are discussed, followed by an examination of their structural diversity and physical properties. The main portion of this review is dedicated to oxidation reactions, wherein parent nitroxides or their corresponding oxoammonium salts serve as active species. It will be demonstrated that various functional groups (such as alcohols, amines, enolates, and alkanes among others) can be efficiently oxidized. These oxidations can be carried out using nitroxides as catalysts in combination with various stoichiometric terminal oxidants. By reducing nitroxides to their corresponding anions, they become effective reducing reagents with intriguing applications in organic synthesis. Nitroxides possess the ability to selectively react with transient radicals, making them useful for terminating radical cascade reactions by forming alkoxyamines. Depending on their structure, alkoxyamines exhibit weak C-O bonds, allowing for the thermal generation of C radicals through reversible C-O bond cleavage. Such thermally generated C radicals can participate in various radical transformations, as discussed toward the end of this review. Furthermore, the application of this strategy in natural product synthesis will be presented.

Mutual Activation of Two Radical Trapping Agents: Unusual "Win-Win Synergy" of Resveratrol and TEMPO during Scavenging of dpph• Radical in Methanol

The reaction of the 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (dpph^•) with resveratrol in methanol (k^MeOH = 192 M^-1 s^-1) is greatly accelerated in the presence of stable nitroxyl radical TEMPO^• (k_mix^MeOH = 1.4 × 10³ M^-1 s^-1). This synergistic effect is surprising because TEMPO^• alone reacts with dpph^• relatively slowly (k^S = 31 M^-1 s^-1 in methanol and 0.03 M^-1 s^-1 in nonpolar ethyl acetate). We propose a putative mechanism in which a mutual activation occurs within the acid-base pair TEMPO^•/RSV to the resveratrol (RSV) anion and TEMPOH^•+ radical cation, both being extremely fast scavengers of the dpph^• radical. The fast initial reaction is followed by a much slower but continuous decay of dpph^• because a nitroxyl radical is recovered from the TEMPOnium cation, which is reduced directly by RSV/RSV^- to TEMPO^• or recovered indirectly via a reaction with methanol, producing TEMPOH subsequently oxidized by dpph^• to TEMPO^•.

Persistent Radicals Derived from N-Heterocyclic Carbenes for Material Applications

Persistent radicals are potential building blocks of novel materials in many fields. Recently, highly stable persistent radicals are considered to be within reach, thanks to several radical stabilization strategies such as spin delocalization and steric protection. N-Heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-derived substituents can be attached to a radical center for these purposes, as illustrated by numerous NHC-stabilized radicals reported in the last two decades.This Account describes our recent work on developing NHC-derived persistent radicals, as well as their prospective applications. Considering that NHCs not only stabilize radicals but also reversibly interact with gas molecules, in 2015 our group reported NHC-nitric oxide (NHC-NO) radicals produced by reversibly trapping nitric oxide (NO) radical gas in NHCs. The resultant compounds were loaded into biocompatible poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(caprolactone) (PEG-b-PCL) micelles and injected into tumor-bearing mice. Then, NO release was triggered by high-intensity focused ultrasound irradiation of the tumor tissue. Furthermore, the NHC-NO radicals could also serve as a platform to generate other organic radicals such as oxime ether or iminyl radicals. Apart from medicine-related applications, radicals stabilized by NHCs can be used as energy storage materials. In this context, the triazenyl radical containing two NHC units reported by our laboratory could be a cathode active material in batteries, as an organic alternative to LiCoO₂. The subsequently prepared unsymmetrical triazenyl radical derivatives were applied as anolytes in nonaqueous all-organic redox flow batteries. In addition, a ferrocene-based redox flow battery anolyte was obtained by introducing NHC-derived substituents that effectively stabilize the ferrocenate derivatives previously reported only at low temperatures. The batteries containing NHC-supported radicals exhibited high energy efficiency and insignificant radical decomposition over multiple cycles. Finally, toward developing air-persistent organic radicals for flexible devices and MRI contrasting agents, we also highlight our recent air- and physiologically stable organic radicals derived from NHCs. Coordination of tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane to the NHC-NO radical produced a new radical cation that is stable in an organic solvent under air for several months. The readily accessible 1,2-dicarbonyl radical cations generated by the reaction of NHCs with oxalyl chloride are remarkably persistent even in an aqueous solution for several months. They are also highly stable even under physiological conditions, making them particularly attractive potential candidates for organic MRI contrast agents. We hope that this Account will serve as a guide for the future development of stable NHC-derived organic radicals and draw the attention of the synthetic community to their potential applications in material science.

Oxazolidine Nitroxide Transformation in a Coordination Sphere of the Ln3+ Ions

Upon the interaction of the hydrated lanthanide(III) salts found in acetonitrile solution with a tripodal paramagnetic compound, 4,4-dimethyl-2,2-bis(pyridin-2-yl)-1,3-oxazolidine-3-oxyl (Rad), functionalized by two pyridyl groups, three neutral, structurally characterized complexes with diamagnetic polydentate ligands—[Dy(RadH)(hbpm)Cl₂], [Yb₂(ipapm)₂(NO₃)₄], and [Ce₂(ipapm)₂(NO₃)₄(EtOAc)₂]—were obtained. These coordination compounds are minor uncolored crystalline products, which were formed in a reaction mixture due to the Rad transformation in a lanthanide coordination sphere, wherein the processes of its simultaneous disproportionation, hydrolysis, and condensation proceed differently than in the absence of Ln ions. The latter fact was confirmed by the formation of the structurally characterized product of the oxazolidine nitroxide transformation during its crystallization in toluene solution. Such a conversion in the presence of 4f elements ions is unique since no similar phenomenon was observed during the synthesis of the 3d-metal complexes with Rad.

EPR Spectroscopy as an Efficient Tool for Investigations of Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Growth and Local Chain Dynamics

The strong polycation poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) and the weak polyanion poly(ethylene-alt-maleic acid) (P(E-alt-MA)) were used to build polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) up to 31 layers. A spin-label (SL) was covalently attached to the polyanion for studying the rotational dynamics of the polyacid backbone in a swollen state of the PEMs using continuous-wave (CW) electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. In the first step, the spin-labeled poly(ethylene-alt-maleic acid) (SL-P(E-alt-MA)) was used in every polyanion layer to monitor the PEMs growth by analyzing the integrated intensity of the spectra. The buildup was found to be pH-dependent resulting in PEM with different thicknesses. In the second step, SL-P(E-alt-MA) was selectively placed in a single polyanion layer to study the rotational dynamics of the polyacid backbone. The rotational diffusion coefficient of the polyacid backbone R_S and the internal rotational diffusion coefficient of the SL attached to the polymer backbone R_I were found to be higher at pH 5 than at pH 4, which is related to enhanced mobility.

Redox-Neutral TEMPO Catalysis: Direct Radical (Hetero)Aryl C-H Di- and Trifluoromethoxylation

Applications of TEMPO. catalysis for the development of redox-neutral transformations are rare. Reported here is the first TEMPO. -catalyzed, redox-neutral C-H di- and trifluoromethoxylation of (hetero)arenes. The reaction exhibits a broad substrate scope, has high functional-group tolerance, and can be employed for the late-stage functionalization of complex druglike molecules. Kinetic measurements, isolation and resubjection of catalytic intermediates, UV/Vis studies, and DFT calculations support the proposed oxidative TEMPO. /TEMPO+ redox catalytic cycle. Mechanistic studies also suggest that Li2 CO3 plays an important role in preventing catalyst deactivation. These findings will provide new insights into the design and development of novel reactions through redox-neutral TEMPO. catalysis.

Reduction Resistant and Rigid Nitroxide Spin-Labels for DNA and RNA

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, coupled with site-directed spin labeling (SDSL), is a useful method for studying conformational changes of biomolecules in cells. To employ in-cell EPR using nitroxide-based spin labels, the structure of the nitroxides must confer reduction resistance to withstand the reductive environment within cells. Here, we report the synthesis of two new spin labels, EÇ and EÇm, both of which possess the rigidity and the reduction resistance needed for extracting detailed structural information by EPR spectroscopy. EÇ and EÇm were incorporated into DNA and RNA, respectively, by oligonucleotide synthesis. Both labels were shown to be nonperturbing of the duplex structure. The partial reduction of EÇm during RNA synthesis was circumvented by the protection of the nitroxide as a benzoylated hydroxylamine.

Computational and experimental approach to evaluate the effect of initiator concentration, solvents, and enes on the TEMPO driven thiol–ene reaction

The fundamental mechanism and reaction kinetics of the TEMPO initiated thiol–ene reaction between benzyl mercaptan and variable enes in the presence of varying initiator concentration and varying solvents has been studied experimentally and computationally.

Unravelling mechanistic insights in the platinum-catalysed dihydroalkoxylation of allenes

The mechanism of the platinum-catalysed dihydroalkoxylation of allenes to give acetals has been studied experimentally and by computational methods. Our findings further explain divergent reactivity encountered for platinum- and gold-vinyl intermediates after the first nucleophilic attack onto the coordinated allene, as well as provide new details on the catalytic cycle with platinum, uncovering enol ethers as resting states of the catalytic cycle, a SEOx process via Pt(IV)–H as the final protodemetallation step after the second nucleophilic attack when neutral platinum complexes are used, and a fast acid promoted addition of methanol to enol ethers when cationic platinum complexes are employed.

Transformation of atenolol by a laccase-mediator system: Efficiencies, effect of water constituents, and transformation pathways

In this study, we investigated the transformation of atenolol (ATL) by the naturally occurring laccase from Trametes versicolor in aqueous solution. Removal efficiency of ATL via laccase-catalyzed reaction in the presence of various laccase mediators was examined, and found that only the mediator 2, 2, 6, 6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy (TEMPO) was able to greatly promote ATL transformation. The influences of TEMPO concentration, laccase dosage, as well as solution pH and temperature on ATL transformation efficiency were tested. As TEMPO concentrations was increased from 0 to 2000 μM, ATL transformation efficiency first increased and then decreased, and the optimal TEMPO concentration was determined as 500 μM. ATL transformation efficiency was gradually increased with increasing laccase dosage. ATL transformation was highly pH-dependent with an optimum pH of 7.0, and it was almost constant over a temperature range of 25-50 °C. Humic acid inhibited ATL transformation through competition reaction with laccase. The presence of anions HCO₃^- and CO₃^2- reduced ATL transformation due to both anions enhanced solution pHs, while Cl^-, SO₄^2-, and NO₃^- at 10 mM showed no obvious influence. The main transformation products were identified, and the potential transformation pathways were proposed. After enzymatic treatment, the toxicity of ATL and TEMPO mixtures was greatly reduced. The results of this study might present an alternative clean strategy for the remediation of ATL contaminated water matrix.

Exploring the Versatility of Membrane-Free Battery Concept Using Different Combinations of Immiscible Redox Electrolytes

Lately, the field of redox flow batteries is flourishing because of the emergence of new redox chemistries, including organic compounds, new electrolytes, and innovative designs. Recently, we reported an original membrane-free battery concept based on the mutual immiscibility of an aqueous catholyte containing hydroquinone and an ionic liquid anolyte containing para-benzoquinone as redox species. Here, we investigate the versatility of this concept exploring the electrochemical performance of 10 redox electrolytes based on different solvents, such as propylene carbonate, 2-butanone, or neutral-pH media, and containing different redox organic molecules, such as 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl, 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine1-oxyl (OH-TEMPO), or substituted anthraquinones. The most representative electrolytes were paired and used as immiscible anolyte-catholyte in 5 different membrane-free batteries. Those batteries with substituted anthraquinones in the anolyte exhibited up to 50% improved open-circuit voltage (2.1 V), an operating voltage of 1.75 V, and 62% higher power density compared with our previous work. On the other hand, the partition coefficient of redox molecules between the two immiscible phases and the inherent self-discharge occurring at the interphase are revealed as intrinsic features affecting the performance of this type of membrane-free battery. It was successfully demonstrated that the functionalization of redox molecules is an interesting strategy to tune the partition coefficients mitigating the crossover that provokes low battery efficiency. As a result, the cycling life of a battery having OH-TEMPO as active species in the catholyte and containing propylene carbonate-based anolyte was evaluated over 300 cycles, achieving 85% capacity retention. These results demonstrated the huge versatility and countless possibilities of this new membrane-free battery concept.

Enantioselective Radical Cyclization of Tryptamines by Visible Light-Excited Nitroxides

Nitroxides can absorb both ultraviolet (UV) and visible light, and their electron can be excited from the π-bonding orbital to the antibonding π* orbital or the n-bonding orbital to the antibonding π* orbital, respectively. Despite the reported UV-induced hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) process, the potential of nitroxides for visible light-excited photosynthesis is underexplored. Here we demonstrate that nitroxide can convert indole to its radical through a visible light-induced HAT process. A chiral phosphoric acid-catalyzed cyclization of the in situ-formed imine radical, followed by trapping by another molecule of nitroxide, provides the product in high yield and enantioselectivity. To highlight the novelty and efficiency of this strategy, an asymmetric total synthesis of natural product (-)-verrupyrroloindoline was accomplished in 5 steps.

Tetramethylpiperidine N-Oxyl (TEMPO), Phthalimide N-Oxyl (PINO), and Related N-Oxyl Species: Electrochemical Properties and Their Use in Electrocatalytic Reactions

N-Oxyl compounds represent a diverse group of reagents that find widespread use as catalysts for the selective oxidation of organic molecules in both laboratory and industrial applications. While turnover of N-oxyl catalysts in oxidation reactions may be accomplished with a variety of stoichiometric oxidants, N-oxyl reagents have also been extensively used as catalysts under electrochemical conditions in the absence of chemical oxidants. Several classes of N-oxyl compounds undergo facile redox reactions at electrode surfaces, enabling them to mediate a wide range of electrosynthetic reactions. Electrochemical studies also provide insights into the structural properties and mechanisms of chemical and electrochemical catalysis by N-oxyl compounds. This review provides a comprehensive survey of the electrochemical properties and electrocatalytic applications of aminoxyls, imidoxyls, and related reagents, of which the two prototypical and widely used examples are 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine N-oxyl (TEMPO) and phthalimide N-oxyl (PINO).

Hydrative Aminoxylation of Ynamides: One Reaction, Two Mechanisms

Organic synthesis boasts a wide array of reactions involving either radical species or ionic intermediates. The combination of radical and polar species, however, has not been explored to a comparable extent. Herein we present the hydrative aminoxylation of ynamides, a reaction which can proceed by either a polar-radical crossover mechanism or through a rare cationic activation. Common to both processes is the versatility of the persistent radical TEMPO and its oxidised oxoammonium derivative TEMPO⁺ . The unique mechanisms of these processes are elucidated experimentally and by in-depth DFT-calculations.

Polynitroxide copolymers to reduce biofilm fouling on surfaces

Polynitroxide films – the first example of surface tethered nitroxides reducing biofilm fouling.

Activation of TEMPO by ClO2 for oxidation of cellulose by hypochlorite-Fundamental and practical aspects of the catalytic system

Bromide-free TEMPO-catalyzed oxidation of the primary alcohols by sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) does not proceed without a prior activation of the catalyst. Here were demonstrate an immediate in situ activation of the catalyst with an equimolar addition of chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) relative to TEMPO. Sodium bromide (NaBr) had a similar role in activating the catalyst although NaBr was needed in excess and the activation took several minutes depending on the dosage of NaBr. The activation method, or the concentration of NaBr, did not affect the bulk oxidation rate. The selectivity of the ClO₂ initiated oxidation remained high up to NaOCl addition of 3mol/kg bleached birch kraft pulp after which additional loss in yield and depolymerization of cellulose were emphasized with negligible increase in carboxylate content. A carboxylate content of 0.8-1mol/kg, sufficient for easy mechanical fibrillation of the pulp, was achieved under mild conditions with NaOCl addition of 2-2.5mol/kg pulp.

Polyurethane based organic macromolecular contrast agents (PU-ORCAs) for magnetic resonance imaging

Combination of its convenience for non-invasive application and high spatial resolution make Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) one of the leading imaging modalities.

Enabling Efficient Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Imaging of Synaptic Vesicle Glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) with a Robust and One-Step Radiosynthesis of a Highly Potent 18F-Labeled Ligand ([18F]UCB-H)

We herein describe the straightforward synthesis of a stable pyridyl(4-methoxyphenyl)iodonium salt and its [¹⁸F] radiolabeling within a one-step, fully automated and cGMP compliant radiosynthesis of [¹⁸F]UCB-H ([¹⁸F]7), a PET tracer for the imaging of synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A). Over the course of 1 year, 50 automated productions provided 34 ± 2% of injectable [¹⁸F]7 from up to 285 GBq (7.7 Ci) of [¹⁸F]fluoride in 50 min (uncorrected radiochemical yield, specific activity of 815 ± 185 GBq/μmol). The successful implementation of our synthetic strategy within routine, high-activity, and cGMP productions attests to its practicality and reliability for the production of large doses of [¹⁸F]7. In addition to enabling efficient and cost-effective clinical research on a range of neurological pathologies through the imaging of SV2A, this work further demonstrates the real value of iodonium salts for the cGMP ¹⁸F-PET tracer manufacturing industry, and their ability to fulfill practical and regulatory requirements in that field.

Acid/base-regulated reversible electron transfer disproportionation of N-N linked bicarbazole and biacridine derivatives

Regulation of electron transfer on organic substances by external stimuli is a fundamental issue in science and technology, which affects organic materials, chemical synthesis, and biological metabolism. Nevertheless, acid/base-responsive organic materials that exhibit reversible electron transfer have not been well studied and developed, owing to the difficulty in inventing a mechanism to associate acid/base stimuli and electron transfer. We discovered a new phenomenon in which N-N linked bicarbazole (BC) and tetramethylbiacridine (TBA) derivatives undergo electron transfer disproportionation by acid stimulus, forming their stable radical cations and reduced species. The reaction occurs through a biradical intermediate generated by the acid-triggered N-N bond cleavage reaction of BC or TBA, which acts as a two electron acceptor to undergo electron transfer reactions with two equivalents of BC or TBA. In addition, in the case of TBA the disproportionation reaction is highly reversible through neutralization with NEt3, which recovers TBA through back electron transfer and N-N bond formation reactions. This highly reversible electron transfer reaction is possible due to the association between the acid stimulus and electron transfer via the acid-regulated N-N bond cleavage/formation reactions which provide an efficient switching mechanism, the ability of the organic molecules to act as multi-electron donors and acceptors, the extraordinary stability of the radical species, the highly selective reactivity, and the balance of the redox potentials. This discovery provides new design concepts for acid/base-regulated organic electron transfer systems, chemical reagents, or organic materials.