Molecular complexes of DDQ with N-benzylideneanilines

Molecular complexes of DDQ with N-benzylideneanilines have been studied spe ctrophotometrically. All the complexes exhibit well resolved charge transfe r (CT) bands in the wavelength region where the individual components have any absorption. The stoichiometry of each of the complexes is found to be 1 :1 and is unaffected by the variation of temperature. The ionization potent ials of the donors have been determined from the positions of the CT bands. The stabilities and thermodynamic parameters of the complexes have been de termined from the absorption studies on the CT bands. Both the positions an d the stabilities of the complexes are affected by the substituents and are linearly related to modified Hammett sigma constants.