Diarylindenotetracenes via a selective cross-coupling/C-H functionalization: Electron donors for organic photovoltaic cells

A direct synthesis of new donor materials for organic photovoltaic cells is reported. Diaryindenotetracenes were synthesized utilizing a Kumada–Tamao–Corriu cross-coupling of peri-substituted tetrachlorotetracene with spontaneous indene annulation via C–H activation. Vacuum deposited planar heterojunction organic photovoltaic cells incorporating these molecules as electron donors exhibit power conversion efficiencies exceeding 1.5% with open-circuit voltages ranging from 0.7 to 1.1 V when coupled with C60 as an electron acceptor.