Dianion Stabilization by (M(C 5 (CH 3 ) 5 ) 2 ) + : Theoretical Evidence for a Localized Ring in (DDQ) 2-

Organic dianions have been stabilized by (M(C(5)(CH(3))(5))(2))(+), where M is iron or cobalt. This has allowed the structural and spectroscopic characterization of these dianions. The structure of (M(C(5)(CH(3))(5))(2))(2)(+) (DDQ)(2-), where DDQ is 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyanobenzoquinone, has been determined by x-ray crystallography. The structure of (DDQ)(2-)is consistent with ab initio molecular orbital calculations that suggest a localizd as opposed to a delocalized (aromatic) ring structure.