Spectroelectrochemical Investigation of the Behavior of Tetra-Chloro-p-Benzoquinone in Molten Sodium Chloroaluminates

Abstract

The Raman, UV-visible, electron spin resonance spectroscopic, and spectroelectrochemical (SEC) behavior of tetrachloro- p-benzoquinone (chloranil) in molten aluminum chloride/sodium chloride mixtures has been examined. The results support previous findings suggesting that the chloranil is complexed by AlCl3or A12C17– in acidic melts [>50 mole percent (m/o) A1C13], while in basic melts (< 50 m/o A1C13) the chloranil remains uncomplexed. The results further support the previously proposed stepwise one-electron reductions in the acidic melt to produce the radical anion and the dianion. The present work, however, reveals that chloranil is also reduced through two closely spaced one-electron reductions in the basic melt.