Microwave-assisted synthesis of polythiophenes via the Stille coupling

Microwave radiation has been employed to synthesise soluble polythiophenes 1-4 via the Stille coupling, resulting in the preparation of polythiophene 1 with higher molecular weights (Mn > 15,000) and a lower polydispersity (Mw/Mn ≈ 2) than when synthesised using conventional heating. Field-effect mobilities of greater than 3 × 10−2 cm2/V s were measured for polymer 1 in an organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) device.