Synthesis of oligo(phenyleneethynylene)s containing central pyromellitdiimide or naphthalenediimide groups and bearing terminal isocyanide groups: molecular components for single-electron transistors

Oligo(phenyleneethynylene)s that are of variable length, contain a central arenediimide unit, either a pyromellitdiimide or a naphthalenediimide group, and are terminated by isocyanide groups have been prepared. The extended frameworks were assembled from appropriately functionalized arenediimide and areneformamide units whose lengths were adjusted by adding phenyleneethynylene units. Final transformation of the formamide groups into isocyanide groups gave the title compounds. Several isocyanide-terminated oligo(phenyleneethynylene)s without an arenediimide unit have also been prepared.