6,12-Diarylindeno[1,2-b]fluorenes: Syntheses, Photophysics, and Ambipolar OFETs

Herein we report the synthesis and characterization of a series of 6,12-diarylindeno­[1,2-b]­fluorenes (IFs). Functionalization with electron donor and acceptor groups influences the ability of the IF scaffold to undergo two-electron oxidation and reduction to yield the corresponding 18- and 22-π-electron species, respectively. A single crystal of the pentafluorophenyl-substituted IF can serve as an active layer in an organic field-effect transistor (OFET). The important finding is that the single-crystal OFET yields an ambipolar device that is able to transport holes and electrons.