Syntheses, structures, and properties of metal complexes involving π-conjugated tetrathiafulvalene–pyridine ligand

Four metal complexes based on the phenyl-bridged pyridine ligand with tetrathiafulvalene unit (TTF-Ph-Py, L), NiII(acac)2(L)2 (1, acac = acetylacetonate), M(hfac)2(L)2 (M = NiII, 2; M = CuII, 3; hfac = hexafluoroacetylacetonato) and [CoII(TpPh2)(OAc)(L)]·H2O (4, TpPh2 = hydridotri(3,5-diphenylpyrazol-1-yl) borate), have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The absorption spectra and redox behaviors of these new compounds have been studied. Optimized conformation and molecular orbital diagram of L has been calculated with density functional theory (DFT).

Graphical abstractFour metal complexes 1–4 based on the phenyl-bridged pyridine ligand with tetrathiafulvalene unit (TTF-Ph-Py, L) have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The electrochemical and spectroscopic properties of all complexes have been investigated, and the optimized conformation of the ligand L is calculated with density functional theory (DFT). The absorption spectral changes of 1–4 upon addition of NOPF6 are studied.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Metal complexes based on the phenyl-bridged pyridine ligand of TTF are synthesized. ► The electrochemical and absorption properties of these new compounds are studied. ► Optimized conformation and molecular orbital diagram of the TTF ligand is calculated with DFT.