Synthesis, properties, and redox behavior of tetracyanobutadiene and dicyanoquinodimethane chromophores bearing two azulenyl substituents

Acetylene derivatives with an azulenyl group at both terminals have been prepared by palladium-catalyzed alkynylation under Sonogashira-Hagihara conditions. These alkynes reacted with tetracyanoethylene and 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane in a formal [2 + 2] cycloaddition- retroelectrocyclization reaction to afford the corresponding new tetracyanobutadienes (TCBDs) and dicyanoquinodimethanes (DCNQs), respectively, in excellent yields. Intramolecular CT absorption bands were found in the UV-vis spectra of the novel chromophores, and CV and DPV showed that they exhibited a reversible two-stage reduction wave, due to the electrochemical reduction of TCBD and DCNQ moieties. Color changes were also observed during the electrochemical reduction.