Reversible Dimerization of Diphenylpolyene Radical Cations: An Alternative to the Bipolaron Model

A new interpretation of the charge storage mechanism of conducting polymers is provided by the results of cyclic voltammetric studies of diphenylpolyenes like 1. For the first time these investigations indicate the formation of σ bonds in the reversible dimerization of radical cations of these conjugated systems. Furthermore, these reactions also have general importance for the understanding of the chemistry of radical ions.