Molecular and Crystal Structure and Properties of Te-Containing p-Terphenoquinone Analogues

Abstract p-Terphenoquinone analogues containing a quinonoid type of tellurophene skeleton in the central position have been prepared with a view to developing a new type of organic pnotoconductive materials having amphoteric redox properties. X-ray structure analysis showed that each molecule exhibited an asymmetric boat conformation owing to the bent structure of the whole ring system and the opposite twisting of two terminal rings. The molecular packing manner in the crystals depends on the substituents on the terminal quinonoid rings. These compounds were electrically amphoteric and afforded radical cation salts and CT complexes by electrochemical or chemical oxidation or by the reaction with an appropriate electron acceptor, respectively. Preliminary experimental results on the photoconductive properties of the neutral compound along with the electrical and magnetic properties of the radical cation salts and CT complexes are described.