Importance of C₂ Symmetry for the Device Performance of a Newly Synthesized Family of Fused-Ring Thiophenes

We investigated the relationship between molecular structure and field-effect hole mobility in a family of fused-ring polythiophene copolymers that we designed recently. The results suggest that a repeat unit that possesses a C(2) axis perpendicular to the conjugation plane is important to achieve a high-mobility. Our finding is supported by a review of literature data: Many polymer semiconductors showing a hole or electron mobility >0.1 cm(2)/V.s feature a repeat unit with C(2) symmetry; however exceptions have been found from some push - pull polymer structures.