Facile synthesis of 2,6-disubstituted benzobisthiazoles: functional monomers for the design of organic semiconductors

The synthesis of several synthetically useful 2,6-disubstituted benzobisthiazoles is described. The method is based on the Lewis acid-catalyzed ring-closing reaction between substituted orthoesters and diamino benzene dithiol. The resulting benzobisthiazoles are obtained cleanly and in good yields. These materials are of interest for the development of new organic semiconductors.