Synthesis of S,N-heteroacene diimides

Two unique ladder-type S,N-heteroacene diimides have been designed and synthesized. The photophysical and electrochemical properties and density functional theory calculation of the new dyes have been investigated. The result presents an alternative and efficient design strategy to develop novel heteroacene diimide dyes. • Two unique ladder-type S,N -heteroacene diimides have been newly designed and synthesized. • The calculated results show both dyes can display rigid and coplanar conjugated structures. • The new dyes possess promising basic physicochemical properties for potential application as organic semiconductors.