Synthesis, Polymerization, and Unusual Properties of New Star-Shaped Thiophene Oligomers

Terthienobenzene (TTB, 6) was prepared through a new, high yield route along with pi-extended derivatives 10 and 11. Electropolymerization of tris-EDOT derivative 11 results in a highly stable cross-linked conjugated polymer that shows polaron confinement between the TTB units as confirmed by UV-vis-NIR spectroelectrochemistry and EPR.