Electronic interactions in organometallic dimers. An electrochemical approach

A simple electrochemical criterion is employed for an approximate evaluation of the electronic interaction between redox centres in π-conjugated organometallic dimers. This approach allows one to predict the results of the use of such organometallic complexes (and related polymers) as precursors of mixed-valence compounds (in solution) and low-dimensional conducting or non-linear optical materials (in the solid state). Chemical complications following the redox processes often alter the electrochemical response. In such cases, this approach is only useful if the experimental conditions (measurements at high scan rates or sub-ambient temperatures) are chosen carefully.