Preparation, Structure, and Redox Behavior of Bis(diarylmethylene)dihydrothiophene and Its π‑Extended Analogues

Abstract

The preparation, X-ray structure, and optoelectronic properties of bis­(diarylmethylene)­dihydrothiophene <b>1</b> and its π-extended analogues <b>2</b> are described. The development of a simple, short-step synthetic route allowed us to prepare derivatives with different aryl units. X-ray crystallographic analysis of <b>1b</b> and <b>2b</b> revealed their quinoidal structures, which exhibit strong electronic absorption in the visible region. Cyclic voltammetry measurements revealed their strong electron-donating properties. <b>1b</b> showed two-step electrochromic behavior between the corresponding radical cation and dication