Tetrathiafulvalene cyclophanes and cage molecules

The first TTF cyclophanes were successfully prepared in 1980. Since then, a number of TTF cyclophanes and TTF cage molecules were successfully prepared. The cyanoethyl deprotection/realkylation protocol allowed the ready incorporation of TTF-thiolates into cyclophane structures via stepwise procedures. Rigid TTF cyclophanes contributed to a fundamental understanding of CT interactions involving TTF and different acceptors, such as paraquat, diquat, and PMDI. Larger cyclophanes and cage molecules were successfully exploited for inclusion of electron-poor guest molecules. TTF cyclophanes were also employed for the template-assisted formation of interlocked cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene) with the formation of catenanes as the result. These mechanically interlocked molecules find applications in the construction of nanoelectric devices.