Synthesis, Reactivity, and Electronic Properties of 6,6-Dicyanofulvenes

A series of 6,6-dicyanofulvene derivatives are synthesized starting from masked, dimeric, or monomeric cyclopentadienones. The reactivities of 6,6-dicyanofulvenes relative to their parent cyclopentadienones are discussed. 6,6-Dicyanofulvenes are capable of undergoing two consecutive, reversible, one-electron reductions and are presented as potential n-type small molecules.