Synthesis of soluble oligothiophenes bearing cyano groups, their optical and electrochemical properties

The synthesis and the characterization of twelve new soluble oligothiophenes, possessing two to four 3,4-dicyanothiophene units in their backbone, are described. These semiconductors are prepared through Stille coupling and/or homo-coupling reactions. Cyclic voltammetry studies have been performed to evaluate their stability as n-type semiconducting materials under ambient conditions. The measured electrochemical and optical properties are fully supported by quantum-chemical calculations.