Preparation, Structures, and Physical Properties of Tetrakis(alkylthio)tetraselenafulvalene (TTCn-TSeF, n = 1–15)

Abstract

Abstract A series of tetrakis(alkylthio)tetraselenafulvalene compounds (TTCn-TSeF, n = 1–15) were prepared by a one-step reaction between dialkyl disulfide and tetralithiated TSeF. Molecular properties (redox potentials and optical absorptions in solution) and solid-state properties (thermal behaviors, electric conductivities, and molecular and crystal structures for n = 1 and 10) were studied. TTCn-TSeF compounds are weak electron donor molecules and characterized by small on-site Coulomb repulsion. TTC1-TSeF has a high-dimensional conduction network owing to the presence of high-dimensional heteroatomic contacts, “Atomic-Wire Effect.” The π-moieties of TTC10-TSeF were fastened by the alkyl chains (“Fastener Effect”) to form π-columns and there are a variety of short heteroatomic contacts resulting in two-dimensional electronic structure. Electrical conductivity exhibited peculiar enhancement for n = 1 and 7 ≤ n ≤ 14 owing to the presence of high-dimensional conduction paths. These compounds may manifest high carrier mobility, and are good candidates for the field-effect transistor channel based on the advantageous features: low dark conductivity, low donor ability, on-site Coulomb repulsion energy, high-dimensional π-electron structure, and high solubility in organic solvents.