Exchange Interaction with Electrolytically Generated Benzonitrile Negative Ion

Benzonitrile negative ion prepared by the in situ electrolytic generation technique shows strong exchange interaction with the parent benzonitrile. In dimethylformamide as solvent system, the EPR spectrum varies between the expected 54-line pattern and a single narrow line depending on the benzonitrile concentration. A bimolecular rate constant of ∼108 liters mole—1 sec—1 can be estimated.