The redox behaviour of cyclic tetraaminoethenes derived from 2,2′-biimidazole

Syntheses and redox chemistry of the nearly unknown 4,4′,5,5′-tetraamino derivatives of 2,2′-biimidazole are studied. These cyclic versions of electron-rich ethenes are only stable under strictly anaerobic conditions. In the presence of oxygen, a fast oxidation reaction occurs to form stable, deeply coloured tetraazafulvalenes. Leuco-forms, however, can be stabilized towards air by acylation reactions. This accounts for the hexa-Boc derivative 6. Based on these findings, we present the first synthesis of tetraazafulvalenes, which possess four peripheric secondary amine functions.