Synthesis of diselenadiazafulvalenes and influence of steric strain on their anodic behavior

Abstract

A novel family of π-donor molecules, the diselenadiazafulvalenes (DSeDAFs), is presented. The synthetic approach to these donors, from o-nitroaniline, allows the formation of N,N′-dimethyldibenzoDSeDAF and N,N′-ethylenedibenzoDSeDAF. Comparative electrochemical study of these π-donor molecules demonstrates their excellent donor ability and the stabilizing effect of the ethylene bridge on the cation radical species.