Synthesis, crystal structures, and photophysical properties of triphenylamine-based multicyano derivatives

A new series of intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) molecules were synthesized by attaching various strong electron-withdrawing groups to a triphenylamine backbone. Relationships between chemical structures and optoelectronic properties of these compounds were investigated with X-ray diffraction, cyclic voltammetry, absorption spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations. It is shown that the compounds exhibit intensive ICT interactions leading to substantial extension of their absorption spectral response, which may be potentially used for efficient solar cells.