The reaction of 3, 5-di-tert-butyl-4-oxo-2, 5-cyclohexadienylidene (3d
) with pyridine affords 2, 6-di-tert-butyl-4-(2, 4, 6-tri-tert-butylpy
ridinio)phenolate (Id) - which is not accessible by the classical rout
e via pyrylium salts - in reasonable yield. Carbene 3d is generated by
thermal decomposition of the corresponding quinone diazide 2d in cycl
ohexane. Betaine 1d shows the expected large solvatochromism.