The electrochemical oxidation of four zinc(II) coordination compounds from the ligands 4-methyl-2-(2-pyridylmethyl)aminophenol (Hpyramol()) and 4-methyl-2-(2-pyridylmethylene)aminophenol (Hpyrimol) with chloride or acetate as counter-ions has been studied by in situ spectroelectrochemistry in dimethylformamide (DMF) Low-temperature EPR studies of electrolyte solutions of all zinc compounds indicate the presence of a phenoxyl radical with a g-value in the range 2 070-2 099 which is illustrative for an electron delocalization over the metal centre The final product of this oxidative process is shown to be a benzoquinone methide derivative (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved