Intermolecular interactions of punicin derivatives

The 2- and 4-methyl derivates of punicin [N-(2′,5′-dihydroxyphenyl)-pyridinium chloride] were subjected to Knoevenagel reactions. Starting materials as well as reaction products were examined with respect to homo and hetero-intermolecular interactions. It was found that N-(2′,5′-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-methylpyridinium chloride forms a stable 2:1 complex to hydroquinone. Decomplexation can be accomplished by anion exchange to tetraphenylborate, or by competing complexation with p-benzoquinone. Results of three single crystal X-ray analyses as well as NMR titrations and dilution experiments are presented.