Theoretical Designs of Singlet Localized 1,3-Diradicals

Spin preference and S-T gaps of localized 1,3-diradicals were studied by an orbital phase theory and theoretical calculations. The orbital phase theory was applied to rationalize thermodynamic and kinetic stabilities of diradicals. We theoretically designed some singlet localized 1,3-diradicals, substituted trimethylenes, which are more stable than the lowest triplets. Some diradicals with the four-membered rings, 2,4-disilacyclobutane-1,3-diyls, were designed and shown to have singlet ground states and to be more stable than the sigma-bonded isomers, 2,4-disilabicyclo[1.1.0]butanes. The ab initio calculations supported predictions of the stable carbon-centered localized singlet 1,3-diradicals.