Azulene-Fused Linearly π-Extended Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds: Synthesis, Photophysical Properties, and OFETs Applications

Abstract

By introducing azulene into linearly π-extended polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, we found that the HOMO–LUMO gap can be narrowed comparable to [n]acenes while affording high stability against air under visible light. The fabricated OFET devices with one of the derivatives exihibited typical p-type behavior under ambient conditions. Incorporation of azulene into linearly π-extended polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons results in a narrow HOMO–LUMO gap and high stability toward air uder visible light. X-ray analysis revealed a herringbone packing structure of the azulene–fused pentacycle based on the balance of CH–π and π–π interactions. The fabricated OFET devices with one of the derivatives exihibited typical p-type behavior under ambient conditions.