Selective charge transfer in donor/acceptor systems bridged by Tröger base derivatives

Abstract

Recently, unusual charge transfer properties of two triarylamines bridged through an aliphatic bridge (Tröger base) have been reported. The donor/acceptor couple was shown to have an important electronic coupling between its centers for the hole transfer, although in the absence of a π linker. In contrast, we here show, by combining first principles calculations with experimental studies, that the bridge has a practically null role in coupling the electron transfer. This sharp contrast might present an interesting potential in the design of molecular devices.