Formation of Ions from Compounds with Conjugated Double Bonds: Hydrocarbon Salts

Abstract

IT has been suggested previously¹ that any system containing conjugated double bonds should be capable of forming ions, particularly positive ions. This holds not only in the case of carbon-carbon bonds (aliphatic or aromatic) but also in systems containing, for example, nitrogen, oxygen, sulphur, which, like carbon, can supply mobile π-electrons (double-bond electrons) which are essential for the ‘metallic’ behaviour of these compounds. Particular interest is attached to the hydrocarbons with conjugated rings, to which group the carcinogenic hydrocarbons also belong.