A Straightforward Electroactive π-Extended Tetrathiafulvalene (exTTF) Building Block

The synthesis and X-ray structure of a new and readily available exTTF derivative (6) bearing a methyltriphenylphosphonium bromide moiety as a new building block for the construction of electroactive molecules is reported. The phosphonium salt 6, which was prepared in one step from 2-hydroxymethyl-exTTF as a stable yellow solid in 84 % yield, efficiently undergoes Wittig olefination reactions with a variety of aldehydes to predominantly form the E isomer. Electronic spectra and cyclic voltammetry of the novel compounds reveal the electronic communication between the electroactive units.