Efficient synthesis of organic semiconductors by Suzuki-Miyaura coupling in an aromatic micellar medium

Micellar catalysis enables carrying out Suzuki-Miyaura couplings in water under exceptionally mild conditions. Extension of such a protocol to the sustainable synthesis of highly conjugated, poorly soluble materials like [1]benzothieno[3,2-b][1]benzothiophene (BTBT) requires redesigning of the surfactants employed. The here reported new naphthalenediimide containing amphiphilic derivative, PiNap-750M, features unprecedented performances in the preparation of this and other relevant classes of organic semiconductors in water and at room temperature.