A NIR dye with high-performance n-type semiconducting properties

measured in solution-processed organic field-effect transistors. A special metal-free C-C coupling serves as a pivotal step in constructing the polycyclic π-framework of this low-bandgap chromophore, by fusing an electron-deficient naphthalenediimide moiety with an electron-donating naphthalenediamine. Such a rare combination of extraordinary optical and semiconductive attributes is quite valuable for organic small molecules, and promising for unique applications in the opto-electronic field.