Abstract: Eight TCNQ charge-transfer salts of transition metal pyridine complex cations with the general formula [M(Py)_m]_n (M=Mn, m =4; M=Co, Ni, Cu, m =2; TCNQ= 7,7,8,8 tetracyanoquinodimethane, n =2,3) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IRspectrum, ESR spectrum, X-ray photoelectron spectrum, magnetic susceptibility and electrical conductivity. The results indicate that there are TCNQ^- and TCNQ⁰ in the molecules of these charge transfer salts; TCNQ^- interacts with TCNQ⁰ to form a structural unit [TCNQ]_n^2-(n =2,3); these structural units stack along with one dimension direction to form molecular column; it leads the metals of these compounds to mixed valence state because partial charges transfer from [TCNQ]_n^2- to [M(Py)_m]²⁺ ; three of these charge transfer salts show a good electrical conductivity.

Key words: 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane, Charge-transfer salt, X-ray photoelectron spectrum, Magnetism, Conductivity