Synthesis of nitro- and amino-functionalized π-conjugated oligomers incorporating 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) units

Dissymmetric π-conjugated oligomers incorporating 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) units and bearing nitro and amino end-groups were synthesized in good yields through Pd-catalyzed Suzuki coupling reactions and direct C-H bond arylation. Their spectroscopic properties show that they have a low HOMO-LUMO gap. They are easily oxidized at low potential and could be used in various applications ranging from photovoltaics to molecular electronics.