Synthesis and Langmuir-Blodgett film formation of amphiphilic zwitterions based on benzothiazolium tricyanoquinodimethanide

Five zwitterions based on a coupling reaction between 2-methylbenzothiazole and its selenium and tellurium analogues with the lithium salt of tetracya noquinodimethane were designed and synthesized, bearing long alkyl tails to facilitate Pockels-Langmuir film formation at the air-water interface. Sta ble monolayers were formed at the air-water interface. Z-type and Y-type La ngmuir-Blodgett multilayers were formed on Al and Si substrates. A test for molecular rectification for the most promising molecule in the series was negative.