π-Extended TTF: a versatile molecule for organic electronics

Abstract

In this review article, we present the features and properties of 9,10-di(1,3-dithiol-2-ylidene)-9,10-dihydroanthracene (exTTF) in molecular electronics. Due to its strong donor character accompanied by a geometrical conformational change upon the formation of the oxidized di-cation species, exTTF has found remarkable applications in several fields of interest including covalent and supramolecular ensembles, molecular wires, artificial photosynthetic systems as well as photovoltaic devices. Furthermore, very recent results have shown an interesting self-organization of hierarchical electroactive nanostructures where exTTF plays a leading role.