Electrochemically controlled hydrogen bonding: Redox-dependent formation of a 2:1 diarylurea/dinitrobenzene(super 2-) complex

The electrochemistry of 1,2-dinitrobenzene (1,2-DNB), 1,3-dinitrobenzene (1,3-DNB), and 1,4-dinitrobenzene (1,4-DNB) is strongly affected by the presence of 1,3-diphenylurea. Computer simulations show that the changes in wave shape accompanying this process are well accounted for by the stepwise formation of a 1:1 and 2:1 1,3-diphenylurea/DNB(super 2-) complex.