Redox-switchable polyester dendrimers incorporating both π-donor (tetrathiafulvalene) and π-acceptor (anthraquinone) groups

Abstract

The convergent synthesis of (TTF)x(AQ)y (TTF = tetrathiafulvalene; AQ = anthraquinone) polyester dendrimers is reported; the molecules undergo clean amphoteric redox behaviour with reversible switching between cationic and anionic states being achieved under electrochemical control; the higher generation system (TTF)8(AQ)4 displays an intradendrimer charge-transfer interaction in solution.