Hexagonally Ordered Nanostructures Comprised of a Flexible Disk-like Molecule with High Self-Assembling Properties at Neutral and Cationic States

A novel amphiphilic TTF hexamer <b>1</b> with a flexible disk-like structure and strong self-aggregation properties has been synthesized. Nanowires fabricated from both <b>1</b> and its cation radical <b>1</b>^•+ in CHCl₃/hexane solutions have a hexagonal columnar structure. In contrast, drop-cast films of <b>1</b> and <b>1</b>^•+ exhibit an edge-to-edge close-packed arrangement stacking vertical to the drop-cast surface, indicating stronger dictating effect of surface area for the nanostructure fabrication. The electric conductivity of the wire of <b>1</b>^•+ is 2 orders of magnitude higher than that of the film of <b>1</b>^•+, reflecting the nanostructured, one-dimensional morphology.