Synthesis, Structures, and Properties of Unsymmetrical Heteroacenes Containing Both Pyrrole and Furan Rings

Unsymmetrical heteroacenes, 11-phenylbenzofuro[3,2-b]carbazole (Ph-BFC) and its alkoxylated derivatives, were readily synthesized by palladium-catalyzed double N-arylation of arylamines. They characteristically form antiparallel cofacial pi-stacking arrangements, which may result from their unsymmetrical structures. Their physical properties show their potential for application as active layers in organic field-effect transistors.