TIPS-TTF as a Precursor of Low-Symmetry TTF Derivatives: Steric Protection Strategy in the Regioselective CH Modification of TTF

Tetrathiafulvalene-Inserted Diphenoquinone: Synthesis, Structure, and Dynamic Redox Property

A new tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) derivative is synthesized, which is substituted with two phenoxy radicals on one 1,3-dithiole ring, and may have either open-shell diradical or closed-shell extended-quinoidal ground states. X-ray single crystal analysis and NMR measurements prove that this molecule has a closed-shell extended quinoidal structure both in the solid state and in solution. DFT calculations show the donor-acceptor electronic properties of this molecule with a well-separated HOMO-LUMO distribution and a small HOMO-LUMO energy gap. Because of this donor-acceptor character, this molecule gives both the dication and the dianion species by electrochemical oxidation and reduction. Furthermore, during the redox process between the neutral and dication states, this molecule exhibits unique changes in the cyclic voltammogram upon repeating the cycles or varying the scan rate. The observed electrochemical behavior is explained by the conformational changes in the electrochemically generated species, thus indicating that this molecule is classified as a dynamic redox system.

Catalytic C–H Arylation of Tetrathiafulvalenes for the Synthesis of Functional Materials

Sulfur-containing functional π-conjugated cores play key roles in materials science, mostly due to their unique electrochemical and photophysical properties. Among these, the excellent electron donor tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) has occupied a central position since the emergence of organic electronics. Peripheral C–H modification of this highly useful sulfur-containing motif has resulted in the efficient creation of new molecules that expand the applications of TTFs. This Short Review begins with the development of the palladium-catalyzed direct C–H arylation of TTF. Subsequently, it summarizes the applications of this efficient C–H transformation for the straightforward synthesis of useful TTF derivatives that are employed in a variety of research fields, demonstrating that the development of a new reaction can have a significant impact on chemical science.

1 Introduction

2 Development of the Palladium-Catalyzed Direct C–H Arylation of TTF

3 Synthesis of TTF-Based Tetrabenzoic Acid and Tetrapyridine for MOFs

4 Synthesis of TTF-Based Tetrabenzaldehyde and Tetraaniline for COFs

5 Tetraarylation of TTFAQ

6 Synthesis of Multistage-Redox TTF Derivatives

7 Miscellaneous Examples

8 Conclusions

Selective Functionalization of Tetrathiafulvalene Using Mg- and Zn-TMP-Bases: Preparation of Mono-, Di-, Tri-, and Tetrasubstituted Derivatives

The tetrathiafulvalene-scaffold (TTF) reacts selectively in allylation, acylation, arylation, halogenation, and thiolation reactions via magnesium or zinc derivatives that are obtained by a direct metalation with Mg- and Zn-TMP-bases (TMP = 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidyl). This stepwise functionalization provides access to a range of new mono-, di-, tri-, and tetra-functionalized TTF-derivatives and allows for fine-tuning of their energy levels.

Donor-acceptor type co-crystals of arylthio-substituted tetrathiafulvalenes and fullerenes

A series of donor-acceptor type co-crystals of fullerene (as the acceptor) and arylthio-substituted tetrathiafulvalene derivatives (Ar-S-TTF, as the donor) were prepared and their structural features were thoroughly investigated. The formation of co-crystals relies on the flexibility of Ar-S-TTF and the size matches between Ar-S-TTF and fullerene. Regarding their compositions, the studied co-crystals can be divided into two types, where types I and II have donor:acceptor ratios of 1:1 and 1:2, respectively. Multiple intermolecular interactions are observed between the donor and acceptor, which act to stabilize the structures of the resulting co-crystals. In the type I co-crystals, the fullerene molecule is surrounded by four Ar-S-TTF molecules, that is, two Ar-S-TTF molecules form a sandwich structure with one fullerene molecule and the other two Ar-S-TTF molecules interact with the fullerene molecule along their lateral axes. In the type II co-crystals, one fullerene molecule has the donor-acceptor mode similar to that in type I, whereas the other fullerene molecule is substantially surrounded by the aryl groups on Ar-S-TTF molecules and the solvent molecules.

Decorating tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) with fluorinated phenyls through sulfur bridges: facile synthesis, properties, and aggregation through fluorine interactions

Tetrathiafulvalene derivatives (TTF1-TTF9) bearing fluorinated phenyl groups attached through the sulfur bridges have been synthesized by employing a copper-mediated C-S coupling reaction of C6 H5-x Fx I (x=1, 2, 5) and a zinc-thiolate complex, (TBA)2 [Zn(DMIT)2 ] (TBA=tetrabutyl ammonium, DMIT=1,3-dithiole-2-thione-4,5-dithiolate), as the key step. Particularly, the selective synthesis of C6 F5 -substituted (TTF8) and C6 F4 -fused (TTF9) TTFs from C6 F5 I is disclosed. The physicochemical properties and crystal structures of these TTFs are fully investigated by UV/Vis absorption spectra, cyclic voltammetry, molecular orbital calculation, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The exchange of hydrogen versus fluorine on the peripheral phenyl groups show a notable influence on both the electronic and crystallographic natures of the resulting TTFs: 1) lowering both the HOMO and the LUMO energy levels, 2) modulating the electrochemical properties by regioselective and/or the degree of fluorination, 3) enhancing the driving forces of stacking by multiple fluorine interactions (F⋅⋅⋅S, CF⋅⋅⋅π/πF , CF⋅⋅⋅FC, and CF⋅⋅⋅H). This work indicates that the decoration with fluorinated phenyls holds promise to produce functional TTFs with novel electronic and aggregation features.