Synthesis and Properties of Isomerically Pure Anthrabisbenzothiophenes

The synthesis of three heptacyclic heteroacenes is described, namely anthra[2,3-b:7,6-b′]bis[1]benzothiophenes (ABBTs). A stepwise sequence of aldol reactions provides regiochemical control, affording only the syn-isomer. The ABBTs are characterized by X-ray crystallography, UV–vis absorption, and emission spectroscopy, as well as cyclic voltammetry. Field effect transistors based on solution-cast thin films of ABBT derivatives exhibit charge-carrier mobilities of as high as 0.013 cm2/(V s).