Synthesis and electroconductive properties of radical salts derived from tetrathiafulvalene dimers

Palladium(II)- or copper(II)-catalyzed homo-coupling reaction of either trimethylstannyltetrathiafulvalene or tetrathiafulvalenylzinc chloride produces symmetrical bitetrathiafulvalenes (bi-TTFs) in good yields, whereas palladium(0)-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction of tetrathiafulvalenylzinc chloride with 4-iodotetrathiafulvalenes leads to the corresponding unsymmetrically substituted bi-TTFs in moderate-to-high yields. The X-ray analysis of bi-TTF derivatives showed planar structures, and the cyclic voltammetry suggested that bi-TTFs have good donor ability comparable to that of BEDT-TTF. The symmetrical bi-TTFs formed the corresponding CT-complexes and cation radical salts. These CT-complexes and radical salts were found to be metallic or semiconducting, reflecting the effect of stoichiometry control in the dimeric TTF system. The X-ray structures of two cation radical salts revealed a unique stacking, and the precise conducting path in BEDO-bi-TTF·ClO4 was discussed on the basis of MO calculations. © 2002 Elsevier Science (USA).