10.1002/jhet.5570420515
The study focuses on the synthesis, structure, and electrochemical properties of two new unsymmetrical tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) derivatives, 2,3-bis(cyanoethylthio)-6,7-(methylethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene (6a) and 2,3-bis(cyanoethylthio)-6,7-(cyclopentodithio)tetrathiafulvalene (6b). These compounds were synthesized using a method involving the coupling of 1,3-dithiole-2-thione and 1,3-dithiole-2-one in the presence of phosphite. The synthesis started from (Et4N)2[Zn(dmit)2] and involved several steps, including alkylation and reactions with various reagents such as oligo(4,5-dihydro-1,3-dithiole-2,4,5-trithione) and cyclopentene. The molecular structures of 6a and 6b were determined by X-ray crystallography, revealing differences in the orientation of the cyanoethyl groups and packing modes. The redox properties of these compounds were investigated by cyclic voltammetry, showing two reversible single-electron redox couples for each, with close redox potentials indicating similar electron effects on the TTF core. The study highlights the potential of these unsymmetrical TTF derivatives for applications in organic conductors and superconductors.