Novel 2,7-substituted pyrene derivatives: syntheses, solid-state structures, and properties

A novel series of pyrene derivatives 3–6 functionalized with different aromatic substituents at 2,7-positions of the pyrene core have been readily synthesized by Suzuki coupling reactions. Single crystals suitable for X-ray crystallographic analysis of compounds 3–6 were all successfully obtained. The optical, electrochemical, and thermal properties of these newly synthesized compounds were thoroughly investigated and discussed. Theoretical calculation was adopted to study the geometric and electronic structure of compounds 3–6. Additionally, preliminary studies demonstrated that field-effect transistors using compound 3, 5, and 6 performed as p-type semiconductors, in which a field-effect mobility as high as 0.018 cm2 V−1 s−1 and current on/off ratio of 106 were achieved from compound 6.