ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, cilt.17, sa.35, ss.49720-49736, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)
Novel structural engineering strategies for solubilizing high-mobility semiconductors are critical, which enables green solvent processing for eco-friendly, sustainable device fabrication, and unique molecular properties. Here, we introduce a viable asymmetric functionalization approach, synthesizing monocarbonyl [1]benzothieno[3,2-b][1]benzothiophene molecules on a gram scale in two transition-metal-free steps. An unprecedented solubility of up to 176.0 mg·mL–1(at room temperature) is achieved, which is the highest reported to date for a high-performance organic semiconductor. The single-crystal structural analysis reveals a herringbone motif with multiple edge-to-face interactions and nonclassical hydrogen bonds involving the carbonyl unit. The asymmetric backbones adopt an antiparallel arrangement, enabling face-to-face π-π interactions. The mono(alkyl-aryl)carbonyl-BTBT compound, m-C6PhCO-BTBT enables formulations in varied green solvents, including acetone and ethanol, all achieving p-channel top-contact/bottom-gate OFETs in ambient conditions. Charge carrier mobilities of up to 1.87 cm2/V·s (μeff≈ 0.4 cm2/V·s; Ion/Ioff≈ 107–108) were achieved. To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the highest OFET performances achieved using a green solvent. Hansen solubility parameters (HSP) analysis, combined with Scatchard–Hildebrand regular solution theory and single-crystal packing analysis, elucidates this exceptional solubility and reveals unique relationships between molecular structure, interaction energy densities, cohesive energetics, and solute–solvent distances (Ra). An optimal solute–green solvent interaction distance in HSP space proves critical for green solvent-processed thin-film properties. This asymmetric functionalization approach, with demonstrated unique solubility insights, provides a foundation for designing green solvent-processable π-conjugated systems, potentially advancing innovation in sustainable (opto)electronics and bioelectronics.