Tetramethyltetraselenafulvalene is an organic compound of selenium, carbon, and hydrogen with the chemical formula C10H12Se4. The compound belongs to the group of organoselene compounds and heterofulvalenes.
Structure
TMTSF features a central fulvalene core where each of the two five-membered rings contains two selenium atoms in 1,3-positions—analogous to the sulfur atoms in tetramethyltetrathiafulvalene (TMTTF). This structure enables TMTSF's electron donor properties in charge-transfer salts. ==Synthesis==
Synthesis
TMTSF can be obtained by substituting the hydrogen atoms of tetraselenafulvalene with methyl groups. Other methods avoiding the use of gaseous hydrogen selenide are also known. ==Physical properties==
Physical properties
Tetramethytetraselenafulvalene is a toxic, solid compound generally used in molecular electronics. The compound forms purple powder. ==Uses==
Uses
The compound is used as an electron donor to form charge-transfer salts, most notably conducting Bechgaard salts. It is known for creating the first organic superconductors (e.g., (TMTSF)2PF6) and functions as a semiconductor. == References ==