TTFAQ-cored D/A ensembles: synthesis, electronic properties, and redox responses to transition metal ions

Two anthraquinone-type π-extended tetrathiafulvalene (TTFAQ)-cored D/A triads were synthesized and characterized by UV–vis absorption and cyclic voltammetric analyses. Electronic substituent effects were unraveled by making a comparison with analogous TTFAQ derivatives previously reported. Electrochemical titrations of the two TTFAQ D/A triads with selected transition metal cations (Ag+ and Cu2+) were examined by cyclic voltammetry, and the results suggest potential application of such TTFAQ derivatives as electrochemical sensors for transition metal ions.