We present the synthesis and characterization of a fused-ring compound, dithieno[2,3-d:2',3'-d']thieno[3,2-b:4,5-b']dithiophene (pentathienoacene, PTA). In contrast to pentacene, PTA has a larger band gap than most semiconductors used in organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) and therefore is expected to be stable in air. The large pi-conjugated and planar molecular structure of PTA would also form higher molecular orders that are conductive for carrier transport. X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy experiments on its films show that the molecules stack in layers with their long axis upright from the surface. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy suggests that there are no chemical bonds at the PTA/Au interface. OFETs based on the PTA have been constructed, and their performances as p-type semiconductors are also presented. A high mobility of 0.045 cm(2)/V s and an on/off ratio of 10(3) for a PTA OFET have been achieved, demonstrating the potential of PTA for application in future organic electronics.

The synthesis of a rigid, planar H-type anthracene derivative is described. Single-crystalline ribbons at micro- and nanometer sizes can be controllably produced and transistors based on an individual ribbon can be fabricated in situ through a newly developed "organic ribbon mask" method, in which the channel length of the transistors can be easily scaled down to sub-micrometer level.