The syntheses of novel donor-sigma-acceptor molecules (D-sigma-A) cont
aining TCNQ and DCNQI derivatives acceptor moieties have been carried
out. Different heteroatoms (S, O) were used as electronically-non-inte
racting bridges between donor and acceptor and two links were used to
obtain rigid planar molecules. The electronic spectra showed a charact
eristic charge transfer band near to 600 nm. The electrochemical behav
iour of these compounds varies according to the acceptor moiety (TCNQ
or DCNQI types). The presence of an oxidation wave in the voltammogram
m reveals the uncommon ability to form both anion-radicals and cation-
radicals in the same organic molecule.