We describe the synthesis, characterization and field effect transistor (FET) properties of a series of furan-based conjugated oligomers such as unsubstituted, hexyl- and styryl-capped linear oligofurans and oligofuran-substituted anthracene derivatives. All studied oligofurans show high fluorescence and good thermal stability. Top contact organic FETs (OFETs) fabricated with oligofurans as the active layer show hole mobilities (∼0.01 to 0.07 cm2 V−1 s−1) and on/off ratios (104 to 106) on a par with the corresponding oligothiophene analogues, while the threshold voltages displayed by oligofuran-based OFETs are significantly reduced due to higher HOMO energies as compared to those of oligothiophenes. Electroluminescence observed in oligofuran-based OFETs in a bottom-contact geometry is limited by electron injection. Overall, we find that furan building blocks are excellent candidates for replacing thiophene in optoelectronic materials.
