Electron Transfer with Aniline Trimers

As pointed out elsewhere, a key finding in the elucidation of corrosion inhibition by aniline trimers was the understanding that aniline trimers are versatile and promiscuous electron transfer agents.

For example, in organic chemistry TTF is widely studied as an electron donor. TCNE and TCNQ are common electron acceptors. The one:one complex of TTF and TCNQ is a paradigm charge-transfer complex, well-studied. See here for some history on this compound.

Fig. 1 - TTF (tetrathiafulvalene), famous electron donor. TTF may claim some slight moral superiority in the chemical world, under the guise that "it is better to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). Structure optimized at B3LYP/6-31G(d'). Sulfur atoms are yellow, carbon atoms are cyan, and hydrogen atoms are white.

Fig. 2 - TCNE (tetracyanoethylene), famous electron acceptor. Structure optimized at B3LYP/6-31G(d'). Nitrogen atoms are blue, and carbon atoms are cyan.

Fig. 3 - TCNQ (7,7',8,8'-tetracyanoquinonedimethane), famous electron acceptor. Structure optimized at B3LYP/6-31G(d').

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