Synthesis of bent-shaped π-extended thienoacenes from 2,5-distannylated 3,4-dialkynethiophene.

Bent-shaped thienoacenes show promise as next-generation organic semiconductors. Here we present the synthesis of an air-stable, pure and easily scalable thiophene precursor, 2,5-distannylated-3,4-dialkyne thiophene, starting from 3,4-dialkyne thiophene in quantitative yields. This precursor has been used for the synthesis of a versatile class of syn-thienoacenes comprising up to 13 fused rings, helical acenes and donor–acceptor acenes.