Oligothiophenes -longer and longer? synthesis, characterization and assembly of special /spl alpha/-conjugated oligothiophenes

Summary form only given. The synthesis and characterization of novel series of oligothiophenes with controlled properties will be presented. Structurally defined oligomers with various chain lengths up to sixteen thiophene units, the longest oligothiophenes known so far, serve as model compounds for the corresponding polymers and allow the correlation of various properties with structure. In addition, due to substitution pattern, novel properties and superior processibility lead to interesting applications. Furthermore, the supramolecular assembly of functionalized oligothiophenes in highly ordered LB films can be achieved by specific functionalization and tailoring of the heterocyclic /spl pi/-systems.