A molecule like sodium

by Cordes, A. W.; Haddon, R. C.; Oakley, R. T.

The use of neutral pi-radicals as building blocks for molecular conductors holds both appeal and challenge. Such systems obviate the need for counterions, as charge transfer is not required to generate charge carriers. Essentially an array of pi-radicals should function like atoms in an elemental metal, e.g., sodium, affording a half-filled energy band. Most radicals, however, tend to dimerize, and even when association can be suppressed the resulting low bandwidth W, coupled with a high on-site Coulomb repulsion U, leads to a Mott insulating state. We are pursuing the design and synthesis of stable heterocyclic thiazyl radicals, with a view to generating stable, crystalline materials with a high W/U ratio. The search for these new radicals, the molecular analogues of sodium, is the subject of this presentation.

Journal
Phosphorus, Sulfur and Silicon and the Related Elements
Volume
179
Issue
4-5
Year
2004
Start Page
673-684
URL
https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10426500490426395
ISBN/ISSN
1563-5325; 1042-6507
DOI
10.1080/10426500490426395