3,3′‐Oxybispyridine and the polarographic reduction of 1,1′‐dimethyl‐3,3′‐oxybispyridinediium diiodide

Abstract 3,3′‐Oxybispyridine is prepared by reaction of 3‐hydroxypyridine with 3‐bromopyridine and converted to the 1,1′‐dimethyl diquaternary salt with methyl iodide. The salt is reduced polarographically by a one electron transfer not involving hydrogen to an unstable radical cation at a potential (Eo) of −0.81 V in the pH range 6.3‐12.0.