Synthetic chemistry for ultrapure, processable, and high-mobility organic transistor semiconductors

An essential aspect of the development of organic-based electronics is the synthetic chemistry devised for the preparation of the semiconductor materials responsible for the activity of organic field-effect transistors. Access to organic semiconductors in sufficient purity and variety has led to breakthroughs in solid-state physics and circuit realization. In this Account, we review the synthetic methods that have been most useful for preparing a range of semiconductors, including thiophene-based oligomers, several kinds of fused rings, and polymers. The tradeoff between process efficiency and target purity is emphasized.