A nitrogen-doped asymmetric phenalenyl with a zwitterionic ground state

Herein, an asymmetric N-doped phenalenyl ( BTAP ) compound has been synthesized and carefully studied for the first time. The synthesis of BTAP reveals a planar configuration and an unexpected zwitterionic ground state with the negative charge delocalized around the circumjacent part and the positive charge mainly localized on the center. Asymmetric azaphenalenyl radicals! A unique strategy from Blatter radicals is used to access rare asymmetric phenalenyl radicals.