Tetracyanoethylene

Names

IUPAC name

ethenetetracarbonitrile

Other names

TCNE

Identifiers

CAS Number

670-54-2^Y

3D model (Jmol)

Interactive image

ChemSpider

12114^Y

ECHA InfoCard

InChI=1S/C6N4/c7-1-5(2-8)6(3-9)4-10^Y
Key: NLDYACGHTUPAQU-UHFFFAOYSA-N^Y
InChI=1/C6N4/c7-1-5(2-8)6(3-9)4-10
Key: NLDYACGHTUPAQU-UHFFFAOYAN

SMILES

C(#N)C(=C(C#N)C#N)C#N

Properties

C₆N₄

128.09 g/mol

g/cm³

199 °C (390 °F; 472 K)

Boiling point

130 to 140 °C (266 to 284 °F; 403 to 413 K) 0.1 mm Hg (sublimes)^[1]

Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).

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Infobox references

Tetracyanoethylene (TCNE), more correctly ethenetetracarbonitrile, is a clear colored organic compound consisting of ethylene with the four hydrogen atom replaced with cyano groups. It is an important member of the cyanocarbons.

Synthesis and reactions

TCNE is prepared by brominating malononitrile in the presence of potassium bromide to give the KBr-complex, and dehalogenating with copper.^[1]

Oxidation of TCNE with hydrogen peroxide gives the corresponding epoxide, which has unusual properties.^[2]

Redox chemistry

TCNE is often used as an electron acceptor. Cyano groups have low energy π* orbitals, and the presence of four such groups, with their π systems linked (conjugated) to the central C=C double bond, gives rise to an excellent acceptor. Thus, treatment of TCNE with iodide salts gives the radical anion:

C₂(CN)₄ + I⁻ → [C₂(CN)₄]⁻ + ¹⁄₂ I₂

Because of its planarity and its ability to accept electrons, TCNE has been used to prepare numerous organic superconductors, usually by serving as a single electron oxidant of an organic electron donor. Such charge-transfer salts are sometimes called Bechgaard salts.

Safety

TCNE hydrolyzes in moist air to give hydrogen cyanide and should be handled accordingly.^[1]

References

1 2 3 Carboni, R. A. (1963). "Tetracyanoethylene". Org. Synth. ; Coll. Vol., 4, p. 877
↑ Linn, W. J. (1973). "Tetracyanoethylene Oxide". Org. Synth. ; Coll. Vol., 5, p. 1007

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