Synthesis and Characterization of Charge-Transfer Complexes of Π-Acceptor TCNQ with Various Phenols

The charge-transfer complexes of formula D(TCNQ)2 are formed between π-acceptor TCNQ (7,7′,8,8′-tetracyanoquinodimethane) and phenolic donors such as p-aminophenol, α-naphthol, 2,4,5-trichlorophenol, and p-cresol. Solution growth and an electrochemical method were used to synthesize the complexes. Their structural analyses were performed using elemental analysis (C, H, N, and halogen), X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, scanning electron microscope (SEM) photographs, dc electrical conductivity, and spectral properties (electronic and 1H NMR), which reveals that these quasi-one-dimensional monoclinic crystalline compounds are synthesized in the single phase with space group P2/1/n and are of semiconductor nature at room temperature. The stoichiometric ratio of donor and acceptor in the complex D(TCNQ)2 is found to be in a 1:2 ratio, respectively.