New oligothiophene-pentacene hybrids as highly stable and soluble organic semiconductors

Two series of new oligothiophene-pentacene hybrid compounds were successfully synthesized and characterized, which consist of pentacene and anthradithiophene skeletons modified by different oligothienyl groups at 6,13 sites or 5,11 sites, respectively. Their optical, thermal, and electrochemical properties show regular variations with the length change of the side groups. These materials exhibit much higher solubility and significantly improved thermal and photooxidation stabilities compared with unmodified pentacene and anthradithiophene.