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Bechgaard salt refers to a class of organic electrical conductors with the general formula (TMTSF)_2X, where:
- TMTSF: Stands for tetramethyl-tetraselenafulvalene, a tetramethyl selenium derivative of tetrathiofulvalene (TTF). TMTSF is the electron donor molecule in the salt.
- X: Represents an inorganic anion, such as (PF_6)^-, (ClO_4)^-, or (ReO_4)^-.
Key Characteristics:
- Electrical Conductivity: Bechgaard salts exhibit high electrical conductivity due to their unique molecular structure.
- Anisotropic Properties: These salts often have anisotropic properties, meaning their conductivity can vary significantly depending on the direction within the crystal lattice.
- Organic Conductors: As organic conductors, Bechgaard salts bridge the gap between traditional inorganic conductors and organic molecules.
Applications:
- Research: They are primarily of interest in the field of condensed matter physics and materials science for studying low-dimensional conductors and superconductors.
- Potential Technologies: While primarily of academic interest, the principles learned from studying these materials could inform the development of novel electronic devices.
In summary, Bechgaard salts are notable for their unique electrical properties and are a subject of significant research in the field of organic conductors and superconductors.
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