Synthesis and characterization of novel dipyridylbenzothiadiazole and bisbenzothiadiazole derivatives

Novel dipyridyl compounds containing a mono- and bisbenzothiadiazole unit were synthesized using the Stille coupling reaction. Their pyridinium salts, viologen analogues, were also prepared by the N-alkylation. The X-ray crystallographic analysis of the compounds containing a benzothiadiazole ring revealed nonplanar molecular structures and unique crystal structures depending on the nitrogen positions. The dipyridyl compounds are efficient fluorophores with high electron affinity. The derivative afforded complexes with chloranilic acid and cyanuric acid composed of hydrogen bonding networks. The methyl viologen analogues showed two-stage one-electron reduction waves.