One-pot synthesis of stable NIR tetracene diimides via double cross-coupling

Tetracene tetracarboxylic diimides have been synthesized based on direct double ring extension of electron-deficient naphthalene diimides involving metallacyclopentadienes. Atomic structure and electronic transitions responsible for their NIR absorption spectra are investigated with quantum-chemical calculations. In light of their unique structure and admirable photophysical and electronic properties, this new molecular skeleton is promising candidate for n-type semiconductors.