A soluble pentacene precursor: Synthesis, solid-state conversion into pentacene and application in a field-effect transistor

[n]Acenes are an interesting group of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: The lower [n]acenes are insulators, higher[n]acenes exhibit semiconducting pro perties, and poly[n]acene is calculated to be a metallic conductor. Pentace ne films have been shown to exhibit charge carrier mobilities comparable to that of a-Si. Efficient processing is, however, a requirement for applicat ions. Here, a new synthetic route to a soluble pentacene precursor is prese nted that could also be used for higher [n]acenes. The precursor can be con verted to pentacene after processing, and the materials exhibit a high char ge-carrier mobility.