Synthesis and Properties of Dihexylbithienoquinonoid Derivatives with Head-to-head, Head-to-tail, and Tail-to-tail Orientations

Abstract

Abstract 2,2′-(Dihexyl-2,2′-bithienylidene-5,5′-diylidene)bis(propanedinitrile)s (dihexylbithienoquinonoid derivatives), in which two 3-hexylthiophene moieties are connected with head-to-tail (HT) and tail-to-tail (TT) orientations, were synthesized. HT bithienoquinonoid was isolated in a single form together with a small amount of its bromo derivative, similarly to the case for the head-to-head (HH) orientational isomer. On the other hand, TT isomer exhibited a peculiar feature in solution, affording an equilibrium mixture of two geometrical isomers. Electronic and electrochemical properties of these bithienoquinonoids were studied and compared with those of HH isomer. The results proved that all these bithienoquinonoid compounds possess highly polarizable and electron-acceptable properties. HH bithienoquinonoid was reduced through one two-electron transfer process, while HT and TT isomers were reduced through two one-electron transfer processes via stable radical anions to the corresponding dianions.