Tetrathiafulvalene

Tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) is an organic compound that is known for its ability to act as an electron donor in the formation of charge transfer salts. It is a heterocyclic compound that consists of two thiophene rings joined by a carbon-carbon bond. The compound is a red-orange solid that is soluble in organic solvents.

Structure and Bonding

Tetrathiafulvalene has a planar structure, with the two thiophene rings being coplanar. The molecular orbitals of TTF are delocalized over the entire molecule, which contributes to its ability to act as an electron donor. The highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) of TTF is a bonding orbital, while the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) is an antibonding orbital.

Synthesis

Tetrathiafulvalene can be synthesized from 1,3-dithiole through a series of reactions involving oxidation and cyclization. The synthesis of TTF is a multi-step process that requires careful control of reaction conditions to ensure the formation of the desired product.

Applications

Tetrathiafulvalene is primarily used in the field of organic electronics, where it is used as an electron donor in the formation of charge transfer salts. These salts have interesting electrical properties, including superconductivity and magnetoresistance, which make them useful in a variety of applications. TTF is also used in the synthesis of molecular switches and molecular machines.

See Also

• Thiophene
• Charge transfer salt
• Organic electronics