Exploring the chemistry of higher acenes: from synthesis to applications

This review explores the advancements in the chemistry of higher acenes and their derivatives, with a focus on their synthesis, characterization, and potential applications. Historically, higher acenes have presented challenges to study due to their inherent instability and reactivity under ambient conditions. However, innovative synthetic strategies, including on-surface synthesis and the precursor approach, have significantly contributed to the ability to synthesize higher acenes even at preparative scales while evaluating their magnetic and semiconducting properties. Furthermore, ethynylene-bridged acene oligomers and polymers, known for their extended π-conjugated systems, have shown promise not only as semiconducting materials but also as topological materials. As synthetic methods continue to evolve and characterization techniques become more sophisticated, higher acenes offer exciting opportunities for progress in the fields of organic chemistry and materials science, paving the way for advanced applications in organic electronics.