A novel mode of storing and releasing electrons, based on the reversible formation and cleavage of C−C bonds, has been created. The C−C bonds formed by the reductive coupling of imino groups across two [M(salophen)] complexes (see structure) function as shuttle for two electrons, permitting long-range electron transfer to a variety of substrates (e.g. quinone, dioxygen, and azides). This electron transfer is mediated by the metal, which becomes the reactive site, while the C–C functionality is never directly involved.
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Franceschi et al. (1999) studied this question.