Organic Conductors Containing Selenium and Tellurium

Abstract

In recent years, efforts have been made to introduce the heavier chalcogens into aromatic organic molecules that obey the Huckel rule (4n+2π‐electrons), with a view to promoting and exploring their effect on electronic properties such as conductivity, magnetism, HOMO/LUMO energy levels, etc. Some of the fundamental properties of selenium and tellurium differ significantly from those of oxygen and sulfur, giving rise to disparities between the structures and properties of heavier chalcogen conducting materials when compared to their oxygen and sulfur‐rich counterparts. In this chapter, we will focus on the state‐of‐the‐art of selenium‐ and/or tellurium‐rich derivatives of chalcogenophenes and tetrathiafulvalene that have been developed and studied for their application as organic conductors. Herein are presented carefully chosen examples and studies that illustrate how chalcogen chemistry and the replacement of oxygen and sulfur by the heavier selenium and tellurium chalcogens is used in the design and manipulation of electroactive materials, and ultimately how it affects suitability for molecular device applications. Finally, we will discuss the current state‐of‐the‐art of these aromatic systems and the challenges presented in the synthesis and application of these materials in the field of organic electronics.