Synthesis and physico-chemical properties of a novel series of aromatic electron acceptors based on N-heterocycles

The synthesis of a novel series of N-based heterocyclic salts using a simple and efficient N-alkylation of 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane with reactive halides is reported. These compounds can be transformed into the corresponding pyridinium methylides by addition of a base. The former exhibit an unstable absorption bands at 395–410 nm. The structures of the salts were fully characterized by UV–vis, IR, NMR and MS spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The pK values of selected compounds were also determined and the acid–basic equilibrium was investigated by UV–vis spectrophotometry. The thermal stability of all species was determined by thermogravimetric analysis.