Infrared Absorption Spectroscopic Studies of ${\alpha},{\omega}$-Diphenylpolyenyl Anions with Odd Numbered Polyene Molecules

Infrared absorption spectra of $\alpha\omega-diphenylpolyenyl$, anions Ph(CH)nPh- (DPn-, n=7, 9, and 13) in the tetrahydrofuran-d6 solutions was measured in the range of 1700 and 1200 cm-1 . The infrared spectra obtained from anions (DPn) showed considerable difference from their neutral species (DPn); their intensities were enhanced at least two orders of magnitude stronger than their neutral species. The in-plane CH bending modes at 1464 and 1375 cm-1 are correspondingly strengthened with the chain length increased, but the C=C stretching at 1541 cm-1 is weakened and frequencies are not changed. We provide an IR evidence for the first time that the bond order or bond alternations of the anions (soliton) are different from those of radical anions (polaron) as well as neutral species.