Heterocyclic fused selenophene monomers

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

0001The subject matter of this application is related to U.S. Patent Application No. , filed on even date herewith, and entitled "SELENIUM CONTAINING ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE POLYMERS AND METHOD OF MAKING ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE POLYMERS"; the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

0002The present disclosure is directed to monomers and methods for making monomers for forming electrically conductive polymers.

0003Electrically conducting polymers have found use in a variety of organic optoelectronics applications. Such optoelectronic applications include polymeric light emitting diodes (thin film displays), solid-state lighting, organic photovoltaics, advanced memory devices, organic field effect transistors, ultracapacitors, electroluminescent devices, printed electronics, conductors, lasers, and sensors.

0004One of the first electrically conducting polymers was polyacetylene and the discovery of conductivity in such polymer created substantial interest in other types of electrically conducting polymers. Recently, conjugated poly(thiophenes) and substituted thiophene derivatives have been discovered to have electrically conducting properties. A feature of these polymers is that they can be cast into films and doped with conventional p- and n-type dopants. Additionally, the doped polymers can be cast into films and their electrical properties modified accordingly, thereby lending themselves suitable for use in a variety of optoelectronic applications.

0005Known thiophene monomers and electrically conducting polymers including thiophene and derivatives thereof include the following:

0006U.S. Patent Application Publication No. <patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="US20040010115A1"><text>US2004/0010115A1 to Sotzing</text></patcit> discloses homopolymers and copolymers comprised of repeating units of thieno[3,4-b]thiophene for use in electroactive applications. The thieno[3,4-b]thiophene compounds disclosed in the <patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="US20040010115A1"><text>US2004/0010115A1</text></patcit> include the following structure: <chemistry id="chem0001" num="0001"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0001.tif" /></chemistry>

0007U.S. Patent Application Publication No. <patcit id="pcit0003" dnum="US20040010115A1"><text>US2004/0010115A1</text></patcit> further discloses that copolymers can be formed with compounds including 3,4-ethylendioxythiophene, dithiophene, pyrrole, and benzothiophene.

0008<patcit id="pcit0004" dnum="US6645401B"><text>U.S. Patent No. 6,645,401 to Giles et al</text></patcit>. discloses conjugated polymers of dithienothiophene (DTT) with vinylene or acetylene connecting groups as suitable for producing semiconductors or charge transport materials useful in electrooptical and electronic devices including field effect transistors ("FET"), photovoltaic, and sensor devices.

0009<patcit id="pcit0005" dnum="US6585914B"><text>U.S. Patent No. 6,585,914 to Marks</text></patcit> discloses fluorocarbon-functionalized and/or heterocyclic modified poly(thiophenes) such as α, w-diperfluorohexylsexithiophene for use in forming films, which behave as n-type semiconductors. These poly(thiophenes) also can be used to form thin film transistors with FET mobility.

0010<patcit id="pcit0006" dnum="US6676857B"><text>U.S. Patent No. 6,676,857 to Heeney et al</text></patcit>. discloses polymers having polymerized units of 3-substituted-4-fluorothiophene as liquid crystal materials for use in semiconductors, charge transport materials, electrooptical field effect transistors, photovoltaic and sensor devices.

0011<patcit id="pcit0007" dnum="US6695978B"><text>U.S. Patent No. 6,695,978 to Worrall et al</text></patcit>. discloses polymers of benzo[<i>b</i>]thiophene and bisbenzo[<i>b</i>]-thiophene and their use as semiconductors and as charge transport materials in electrooptical devices.

0012<patcit id="pcit0008" dnum="US6709808B"><text>U.S. Patent No. 6,709,808 to Lelental et al</text></patcit>. discloses image-forming materials incorporating electrically conductive polymers based upon pyrrole-containing thiophene polymers and aniline containing polymers.

0013<nplcit id="ncit0001" npl-type="s"><text>Tetrahedron 1940, 36, 3317-3324 by Gronowitz</text></nplcit> discloses the preparation of seleno(3,4-b)selenophene. The synthesis utilizes a decarboxylation procedure that is commonly seen as being problematic if exploited at a commercial scale.

0014<nplcit id="ncit0002" npl-type="s"><text>Heterocycles 1997, 45, 1891-1894</text></nplcit> discloses the preparation of selenolo(2,3-c)thiophene by a multistep route. Multistep routes have been shown to be useful for synthesizing materials at small scale, but are generally not favored for large scale, industrial setups.

0015While the above references include disclosures of known monomer compounds and methods of making these known monomer compounds, none of the above references discloses substituted seleno(3,4-b)selenophenes, seleno(2,3-c)thiophenes, or thiophene(3,4-b)selenophenes monomers or methods of making fused selenophene monomers of the present disclosure.

0016The disclosure of the foregoing patents, patent applications and publications is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

0017What is needed is a monomer capable of forming an electrically conductive polymer for a wide range of electronic applications. There is also a need in this art for a monomer that can be formed using readily available, easily handled reagents and which can be polymerized.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0018One aspect of the present disclosure includes a method of making a compound of formula (1): <chemistry id="chem0002" num="0002"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0002.tif" /></chemistry> wherein X is S or Se, Y is S or Se, wherein one or both of X and Y is Se, R is a substituent group. R may be any substituent group capable of bonding to the ring structure. R may include hydrogen or isotopes thereof, hydroxyl, alkyl, including C₁ to C₂₀ primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl groups, arylalkyl, alkenyl, perfluoroalkyl, perfluororaryl, aryl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, alkanoyl, alkylthio, aryloxy, alkylthioalkyl, alkynyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, amido, alkylsulfinyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkylsulfonyl, aryl, arylamino, diarylamino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylarylamino, arylthio, heteroaryl, arylsulfinyl, alkoxycarbonyl, arylsulfonyl, carboxyl, halogen, nitro, cyano, sulfonic acid, or alkyl or phenyl substituted with one or more sulfonic acid (or derivatives thereof), phosphoric acid (or derivatives thereof), carboxylic acid (or derivatives thereof), halo, amino, nitro, hydroxyl, cyano or epoxy moieties. In certain embodiments R may include alpha reactive sites, wherein branched oligomeric, polymeric or copolymeric structures of the selenium containing ring structure may be formed. In certain embodiments, R may include hydrogen, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, C₁ to C₁₂ primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl groups, which may be mono- or polysubstituted by F, Cl, Br, I or CN, and wherein one or more non-adjacent CH2 groups may be replaced, independently with -O-, -S-, -NH-, -NR'-, -SiR'R^"-, -CO-, -COO-, -OCO-, -OCO-O-, -S- CO-, -CO-S-, -CH=CH- or - C≡C- in such a manner that O and/or S atoms are not linked directly to one another, phenyl and substituted phenyl groups, cyclohexyl, naphthalenic, hydroxyl, alkyl ether, perfluoroalkyl, perfluoroaryl, carboxylic acids, esters and sulfonic acid groups, perfluoro, SF₅, or F. R^' and R^" are independently of each other H, aryl or alkyl with 1 to 12 C-atoms. The method includes providing a first reactant having the formula (2): <chemistry id="chem0003" num="0003"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0003.tif" /></chemistry> wherein Y is defined above and Ha is a halogen-containing group. The first reactant is reduced in the presence of a metal reducing agent to form a second reactant having the formula (3): <chemistry id="chem0004" num="0004"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0004.tif" /></chemistry> wherein Y and Ha are defined above. The second reactant is then reacted with a substituted 1-alkyne in the presence of a transition metal catalyst in order to form a third reactant, the third reactant having the formula (4): <chemistry id="chem0005" num="0005"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0005.tif" /></chemistry> wherein R, Y and Ha are defined above. The third reactant is then reacted with an alkyl lithium in the presence of a compound comprising X, X being defined above, to produce a fourth reactant having the formula (5): <chemistry id="chem0006" num="0006"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0006.tif" /></chemistry> wherein R, X, and Y are defined above. The fourth reactant is then reacted with water to form the compound having formula (1).

0019Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a method for making heterocyclic fused selenophenes according to the following formula (4): <chemistry id="chem0007" num="0007"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0007.tif" /></chemistry> wherein X is S or Se, Y is S or Se, wherein one or both of X and Y is Se, R is a substituent group and may include the moieties discussed above with respect to formula (1). The method further includes providing a first reactant having the formula (2): <chemistry id="chem0008" num="0008"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0008.tif" /></chemistry> wherein X is defined above and Ha is a halogen-containing group. The first reactant is reduced in the presence of a metal reducing agent to form a second reactant having the formula (3): <chemistry id="chem0009" num="0009"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0009.tif" /></chemistry> wherein Y and Ha are defined above. The second reactant is then reacted with a substituted 1-alkyne in the presence of a transition metal catalyst in order to form the compound according to formula (4): <chemistry id="chem0010" num="0010"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0010.tif" /></chemistry> wherein Y, Ha and R are defined above.

0020Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a method of making a compound of formula (1): <chemistry id="chem0011" num="0011"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0011.tif" /></chemistry> wherein X is S or Se, Y is S or Se, wherein one or both of X and Y is Se, R is a substituent group and may include the moieties discussed above with respect to formula (1). The method further includes providing a having the formula (4): <chemistry id="chem0012" num="0012"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0012.tif" /></chemistry> wherein R and Y are defined above and Ha is a halogen-containing group. The reactant is then reacted with an alkyl lithium in the presence of a compound comprising X, X being defined above, to produce a reactant having the formula (5): <chemistry id="chem0013" num="0013"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0013.tif" /></chemistry> wherein R, X, and Y are defined above. The fourth reactant is then reacted with water to form the compound having formula (1).

0021Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a method of making a compound of formula (6): <chemistry id="chem0014" num="0014"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0014.tif" /></chemistry> wherein X is S or Se, Y is S or Se, wherein one or both of X and Y is Se. The method further includes providing a reactant according to formula (7): <chemistry id="chem0015" num="0015"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0015.tif" /></chemistry> wherein Y is defined above and Ha is a halogen-containing group. P_g is a hydrolysable protecting group. The reactant is then reacted with an alkyl lithium in the presence of a compound comprising X, X being defined above, to produce a reactant according to formula (8): <chemistry id="chem0016" num="0016"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0016.tif" /></chemistry> wherein P_g, X, and Y are defined above. The reactant is then reacted with water to form the compound having formula (6).

0022Another embodiment of the present disclosure includes heterocyclic monomer compounds according to the following formula: <chemistry id="chem0017" num="0017"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0017.tif" /></chemistry> wherein X is S or Se, Y is S or Se, wherein one or both of X and Y is Se, R is a substituent group. R may include hydroxyl, alkyl, including C₁ to C₂₀ primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl groups, arylalkyl, alkenyl, perfluoroalkyl, perfluororaryl, aryl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, alkanoyl, alkylthio, aryloxy, alkylthioalkyl, alkynyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, amido, alkylsulfinyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkylsulfonyl, aryl, arylamino, diarylamino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylarylamino, arylthio, heteroaryl, arylsulfinyl, alkoxycarbonyl, arylsulfonyl, carboxyl, halogen, nitro, cyano, sulfonic acid, or alkyl or phenyl substituted with one or more sulfonic acid (or derivatives thereof), phosphoric acid (or derivatives thereof), carboxylic acid (or derivatives thereof), halo, amino, nitro, hydroxyl, cyano or epoxy moieties. In certain embodiments, R may include alkylaryl, arylalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, C₁ to C₁₂ primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl groups, which may be mono- or polysubstituted by F, Cl, Br, I or CN, and wherein one or more non-adjacent CH2 groups may be replaced, independently with -O-, -S-, -NH-, -NR'-, -SiR'R^"-, -CO-, -COO-, -OCO-, -OCO-O-, -S- CO-, -CO-S-, -CH=CH- or -C=C- in such a manner that O and/or S atoms are not linked directly to one another, phenyl and substituted phenyl groups, cyclohexyl, naphthalenic, hydroxyl, alkyl ether, perfluoroalkyl, perfluoroaryl, carboxylic acids, esters and sulfonic acid groups, perfluoro, SF₅, or F. R and R^" are independently of each other H, aryl or alkyl with 1 to 12 C-atoms.

0023Another embodiment of the present disclosure includes heterocyclic fused compounds imidazolone, dioxolone, imidazolethione or dioxolethione including 2-phenyl-selenolo[2,3-c]thiophene (1a), 2-phenyl-selenolo[3,4-b]thiophene (1b) and 2-phenyl-selenolo[3,4-b]selenophene (1c), and the thiocarbonyl compounds 2-hexyl-selenolo[2,3-c]thiophene (1d), 2-hexyl-selenolo[3,4-b]thiophene (1e) and 2-hexyl-selenolo[3,4-b]selenophene (1f), all shown by the following structures: <chemistry id="chem0018" num="0018"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0018.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0019" num="0019"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0019.tif" /></chemistry>

0024Another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a heterocyclic monomer compound according to the following formula: <chemistry id="chem0020" num="0020"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0020.tif" /></chemistry> wherein X is S or Se, Y is S or Se, wherein one or both of X and Y is Se, R is a substituent group and may include the moieties discussed above with respect to formula (1)

0025Another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a compound having the following formula: <chemistry id="chem0021" num="0021"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0021.tif" /></chemistry> wherein Y is S or Se, R is a substituent group and may include the moieties discussed above with respect to formula (1) and Ha is a halogen-containing group.

0026Another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a compound having the following formula: <chemistry id="chem0022" num="0022"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0022.tif" /></chemistry> wherein Y is Se, Ha is a halogen containing group.

0027The disclosure includes heterocyclic fused selenophene based monomers. Such monomers and polymers derived therefrom, find use in applications, including, but not limited to, hole injection materials, charge transport materials, semiconductors, and/or conductors, in optical, electrooptical or electronic devices, polymeric light emitting diodes (i.e., PLED), electroluminescent devices, organic field effect transistors (i.e., FET or OFET), flat panel display applications (e.g., LCD's), radio frequency identification (i.e., RFID) tags, printed electronics, ultracapacitors, organic photovoltaics (i.e., OPV), sensors, lasers, small molecule or polymer based memory devices, electrolytic capacitors, anti-corrosion coatings, or as hydrogen storage materials.

0028One advantage of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes preparation of previously unknown substituted selenophene monomers having an extended range of performance in many electronic applications.

0029Another advantage of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes preparation of heterocyclic fused selenophene monomers. In one aspect the inventive methods can be conducted without the necessity of using decarboxylation chemistries.

0030Still another advantage of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes preparation of heterocyclic selenophene monomers in high yield, providing for an efficient, cost effective process. For example, the inventive process can produce a monomeric product having at least about 65 mol % monomer.

0031An advantage of an embodiment of the present disclosure is that heterocyclic fused selenophene monomers and derivatives thereof may be used to produce conductive polymers having low work functions (e.g., polymers a conductivity of at least about 10^-5 S/cm). For example, the present disclosure includes monomers for fabricating polymers suitable as a hole injecting material.

0032Another advantage of an embodiment of the present disclosure is that heterocyclic fused selenophene monomers and derivatives thereof may be used to produce conducting polymers having a low band gap (e.g., a band gap of about &lt;2.5 eV). For example, the present disclosure includes monomers for fabricating polymers suitable as transparent conductors.

0033Still another advantage of an embodiment of the present disclosure is that heterocyclic fused selenophene monomers and derivatives thereof may be used to produce conducting polymers having a wide range of electronic applications.

0034Still another advantage of an embodiment of the present disclosure is that heterocyclic fused selenophene monomers and derivatives thereof may be used to produce a hole injection material having desirable properties including a substantially identical work function level between the hole injection layer ("HIL") material and the light emitting layer in an electroluminescent device.

0035Still another advantage of an embodiment of the present disclosure is that heterocyclic fused selenophene monomers and derivatives thereof may be used to produce an oxidized form of the polymer. The resultant polymer can possess desirable properties including the formation of a highly delocalized ionic polymer having high conductivity.

0036Still another advantage of an embodiment of the present disclosure is that heterocyclic fused selenophene monomers and derivatives thereof may be used to produce solution processible materials.

0037Still another advantage of an embodiment of the present disclosure is that monomers based upon heterocyclic fused selenophenes and derivatives thereof may be used to produce an environmentally stable semiconducting polymer.

0038Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following more detailed description of certain embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

0039"Fused" is defined as sharing a common bond within the ring between a thiophene and a selenophene or a selenophene and a selenophene, thereby connecting the ring structures together.

0040The disclosure includes a method for making heterocyclic fused selenophenes according to the following formula (1): <chemistry id="chem0023" num="0023"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0023.tif" /></chemistry> wherein X is S or Se, Y is S or Se, wherein one or both of X and Y is Se, R is a substituent group. R may be any substituent group capable of bonding to the ring structure. R may include hydrogen or isotopes thereof, hydroxyl, alkyl, including C₁ to C₂₀ primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl groups, arylalkyl, alkenyl, perfluoroalkyl, perfluororaryl, aryl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, alkanoyl, alkylthio, aryloxy, alkylthioalkyl, alkynyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, amido, alkylsulfinyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkylsulfonyl, aryl, arylamino, diarylamino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylarylamino, arylthio, heteroaryl, arylsulfinyl, alkoxycarbonyl, arylsulfonyl, carboxyl, halogen, nitro, cyano, sulfonic acid, or alkyl or phenyl substituted with one or more sulfonic acid (or derivatives thereof), phosphoric acid (or derivatives thereof), carboxylic acid (or derivatives thereof), halo, amino, nitro, hydroxyl, cyano or epoxy moieties. In certain embodiments R may include alpha reactive sites, wherein branched oligomeric, polymeric or copolymeric structures of the selenium containing ring structure may be formed. In certain embodiments, R may include hydrogen, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, C₁ to C₁₂ primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl groups, which may be mono- or polysubstituted by F, Cl, Br, I or CN, and wherein one or more non-adjacent CH2 groups may be replaced, independently with -O-, -S-, -NH-, -NR'-, -SiR'R^"-, -CO-, -COO-, -OCO-, -OCO-O-, -S- CO-, -CO-S-, -CH=CH- or - C=C- in such a manner that O and/or S atoms are not linked directly to one another, phenyl and substituted phenyl groups, cyclohexyl, naphthalenic, hydroxyl, alkyl ether, perfluoroalkyl, perfluoroaryl, carboxylic acids, esters and sulfonic acid groups, perfluoro, SF₅, or F. R^' and R^" are independently of each other H, aryl or alkyl with 1 to 12 C-atoms. The method further includes providing a first reactant having the formula (2): <chemistry id="chem0024" num="0024"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0024.tif" /></chemistry> wherein Y is defined above and Ha is a halogen containing group. The halogen containing group may include, but is not limited to, Cl, Br or I. The first reactant is reduced in the presence of a metal reducing agent to form a second reactant having the formula (3): <chemistry id="chem0025" num="0025"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0025.tif" /></chemistry> wherein Y and Ha are defined above. The metal reducing agent may include any metal reducing agent suitable for reducing the first reactant and may include, but is not limited to zinc or magnesium. The second reactant is then reacted with a substituted 1-alkyne in the presence of a transition metal catalyst in order to form a third reactant, the third reactant having the formula (4): <chemistry id="chem0026" num="0026"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0026.tif" /></chemistry> wherein R, Y and Ha are defined above. The transition metal catalyst may include, but is not limited to, platinum group containing catalysts, such as palladium dichloride-bis-triphenylphosphine or other systems that may be used in Sonogashira coupling chemistry. The substituted 1-alkyne includes functional groups having the following formula: <chemistry id="chem0027" num="0027"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0027.tif" /></chemistry> R may be any substituent group capable of bonding to the triple bonded carbon. R may include alkyl, including C₁ to C₂₀ primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl groups, arylalkyl, alkenyl, perfluoroalkyl, perfluororaryl, aryl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, alkanoyl, alkylthio, aryloxy, alkylthioalkyl, alkynyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, amido, alkylsulfinyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkylsulfonyl, aryl, arylamino, diarylamino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylarylamino, arylthio, heteroaryl, arylsulfinyl, alkoxycarbonyl, arylsulfonyl, carboxyl, halogen, nitro, cyano, sulfonic acid, or alkyl or phenyl substituted with one or more sulfonic acid (or derivatives thereof), phosphoric acid (or derivatives thereof), carboxylic acid (or derivatives thereof), halo, amino, nitro, hydroxyl, cyano or epoxy moieties. In certain embodiments, R may include hydrogen, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, C₁ to C₁₂ primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl groups, which may be mono- or polysubstituted by F, Cl, Br, I or CN, and wherein one or more non-adjacent CH2 groups may be replaced, independently with -O-, -S-, -NH-, -NR'-, -SiR'R^"-, -CO-, -COO-, -OCO-, -OCO-O-, -S- CO-, -CO-S-, - CH=CH- or -C≡C- in such a manner that O and/or S atoms are not linked directly to one another, phenyl and substituted phenyl groups, cyclohexyl, naphthalenic, hydroxyl, alkyl ether, perfluoroalkyl, perfluoroaryl, carboxylic acids, esters and sulfonic acid groups, perfluoro, SF₅, or F. R^' and R^" are independently of each other H, aryl or alkyl with 1 to 12 C-atoms. The third reactant is then reacted with an alkyl lithium in the presence of a compound comprising X, X being defined above, to produce a fourth reactant having the formula (5): <chemistry id="chem0028" num="0028"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0028.tif" /></chemistry> wherein R, X, and Y are defined above. The alkyl lithium may include alkyl containing lithium compounds, such as, but not limited to n-butyl, secondary and tertiary-butyl lithium or other alkyl lithium agents. The compound comprising X may include compounds that contain sulfur, selenium or combinations thereof. Suitable compounds include, but are not limited to selenium powder and sulfur (S₈). The fourth reactant is then reacted with water to form the compound having formula (1).

0041This disclosure provides a method for making heterocyclic fused selenophenes according to the following formula (4): <chemistry id="chem0029" num="0029"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0029.tif" /></chemistry> wherein X is S or Se, Y is S or Se, wherein one or both of X and Y is Se, R is a substituent group and may include the moieties discussed above with respect to formula (1). The third reactant is then reacted with an alkyl lithium in the presence of a compound comprising X, X being defined above, to produce a fourth reactant having the formula (5): <chemistry id="chem0030" num="0030"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0030.tif" /></chemistry> wherein R, X, and Y are defined above. The fourth reactant is then reacted with water to form the compound having formula (1).

0042The present disclosure further includes a method of making a compound of formula (1): <chemistry id="chem0031" num="0031"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0031.tif" /></chemistry> wherein X is S or Se, Y is S or Se, wherein one or both of X and Y is Se, R is a substituent group and may include the moieties discussed above with respect to formula (1). The method further includes providing a having the formula (4): <chemistry id="chem0032" num="0032"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0032.tif" /></chemistry> wherein R, Y and Ha are defined above. The reactant is then reacted with an alkyl lithium in the presence of a compound comprising X, X being defined above, to produce a reactant having the formula (5): <chemistry id="chem0033" num="0033"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0033.tif" /></chemistry> wherein R, X, and Y are defined above. The fourth reactant is then reacted with water to form the compound having formula (1).

0043The present disclosure further includes a method of making a compound of formula (1): <chemistry id="chem0034" num="0034"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0034.tif" /></chemistry> wherein X is S or Se, Y is S or Se, wherein one or both of X and Y is Se. The method further includes providing a compound having the formula (7): <chemistry id="chem0035" num="0035"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0035.tif" /></chemistry> wherein Y and Ha are defined above. P_g is a hydrolysable protecting group. The hydrolysable protecting group may be any suitable protecting group that is capable of hydrolyzing and may include, but is not limited to trimethyl silyl or tert-butyldimethyl silyl. The reactant is then reacted with an alkyl lithium in the presence of a compound comprising X, X being defined above, to produce a reactant having the formula (8): <chemistry id="chem0036" num="0036"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0036.tif" /></chemistry> wherein P_g, X, Y and Ha are defined above. The reactant is then reacted with water to form the compound having formula (6).

0044This disclosure further includes heterocyclic fused selenophene monomeric compounds according to the following formula (1): <chemistry id="chem0037" num="0037"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0037.tif" /></chemistry> wherein X is S or Se, Y is S or Se, wherein one or both of X and Y is Se, R is a substituent group. R may be any substituent group capable of bonding to the ring structure. R may include hydroxyl, alkyl, including C₁ to C₂₀ primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl groups, arylalkyl, alkenyl, perfluoroalkyl, perfluororaryl, aryl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, alkanoyl, alkylthio, aryloxy, alkylthioalkyl, alkynyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, amido, alkylsulfinyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkylsulfonyl, aryl, arylamino, diarylamino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylarylamino, arylthio, heteroaryl, arylsulfinyl, alkoxycarbonyl, arylsulfonyl, carboxyl, halogen, nitro, cyano, sulfonic acid, or alkyl or phenyl substituted with one or more sulfonic acid (or derivatives thereof), phosphoric acid (or derivatives thereof), carboxylic acid (or derivatives thereof), halo, amino, nitro, hydroxyl, cyano or epoxy moieties. In certain embodiments R may include alpha reactive sites, wherein branched oligomeric, polymeric or copolymeric structures of the selenium containing ring structure may be formed. In certain embodiments, R may include alkylaryl, arylalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, C₁ to C₁₂ primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl groups, which may be mono- or polysubstituted by F, Cl, Br, I or CN, and wherein one or more non-adjacent CH2 groups may be replaced, independently with -O-, -S-, -NH-, -NR'-, -SiR'R^"-, -CO-, - COO-, -OCO-, -OCO-O-, -S- CO-, -CO-S-, -CH=CH- or -C≡C- in such a manner that O and/or S atoms are not linked directly to one another, phenyl and substituted phenyl groups, cyclohexyl, naphthalenic, hydroxyl, alkyl ether, perfluoroalkyl, perfluoroaryl, carboxylic acids, esters and sulfonic acid groups, perfluoro, SF₅, or F. R^' and R^" are independently of each other H, aryl or alkyl with 1 to 12 C-atoms

0045Another embodiment of the present disclosure includes heterocyclic fused selenophene compounds including 2-phenyl-selenolo[2,3-c]thiophene (1 a), 2-phenyl-selenolo[3,4-b]thiophene (1 b) and 2-phenyl-selenolo[3,4-b]selenophene (1 c), and the thiocarbonyl compounds 2-hexyl-selenolo[2,3-c]thiophene (1d), 2-hexyl-selenolo[3,4-b]thiophene (1e) and 2-hexyl-selenolo[3,4-b]selenophene (1f), all shown by the following structures: <chemistry id="chem0038" num="0038"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0038.tif" /></chemistry><chemistry id="chem0039" num="0039"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0039.tif" /></chemistry>

0046In another embodiment of the present disclosure, derivatives of the heterocyclic fused selenophenes formed prior to or after the formation of the fully aromatic fused heterocyclic monomer.

0047Another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a compound having the following formula: <chemistry id="chem0040" num="0040"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0040.tif" /></chemistry> wherein Y is S or Se, R is a substituent group and may include the moieties discussed above with respect to formula (1) and Ha is a halogen containing group.

0048Another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a compound having the following formula: <chemistry id="chem0041" num="0041"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0041.tif" /></chemistry> wherein Y is Se, Ha is a halogen containing group. In certain embodiments Ha is independently Br or I and combinations of Br and I on the same molecule.

0049Monomer derivatives according to the present disclosure may include compounds having the following formula: <chemistry id="chem0042" num="0042"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0042.tif" /></chemistry> wherein X is S or Se, Y is S or Se, wherein one or both of X and Y is Se, R is a substituent group. R may be any substituent group capable of bonding to the ring structure of P1. R may include hydrogen or isotopes thereof, hydroxyl, alkyl, including C₁ to C₂₀ primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl groups, arylalkyl, alkenyl, perfluoroalkyl, perfluororaryl, aryl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, alkanoyl, alkylthio, aryloxy, alkylthioalkyl, alkynyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, amido, alkylsulfinyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkylsulfonyl, aryl, arylamino, diarylamino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylarylamino, arylthio, heteroaryl, arylsulfinyl, alkoxycarbonyl, arylsulfonyl, carboxyl, halogen, nitro, cyano, sulfonic acid, or alkyl or phenyl substituted with one or more sulfonic acid (or derivatives thereof), phosphoric acid (or derivatives thereof), carboxylic acid (or derivatives thereof), halo, amino, nitro, hydroxyl, cyano or epoxy moieties. In certain embodiments R may include alpha reactive sites, wherein branched oligomeric, polymeric or copolymeric structures of the selenium containing ring structure may be formed. In certain embodiments, R may include R may include hydrogen, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, C₁ to C₁₂ primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl groups, which may be mono- or polysubstituted by F, Cl, Br, I or CN, and wherein one or more non-adjacent CH2 groups may be replaced, independently with -O-, -S-, -NH-, -NR'-, -SiR'R^"-, -CO-, -COO-, -OCO-, -OCO-O-, -S-CO-, -CO-S-, -CH=CH- or -C=C- in such a manner that O and/or S atoms are not linked directly to one another, phenyl and substituted phenyl groups, cyclohexyl, naphthalenic, hydroxyl, alkyl ether, perfluoroalkyl, perfluoroaryl, carboxylic acids, esters and sulfonic acid groups, perfluoro, SF₅, or F. R^' and R^" are independently of each other H, aryl or alkyl with 1 to 12 C-atoms. W and W' are independently of each other H, halogen atoms, e.g., F, Cl, Br, and I, metallorganics, e.g., MgCl, MgBr, Mgl, Sn(R₂)₃, where R₂ is C_1-6 alkyl or C_1-6 alkyl ether, boronic acid, boronic ester, vinyl units, e.g., -CH=CHR₃ where R₃ is H or C_1-6 alkyl, ether, i.e., -OC_1-6 alkyl, esters, i.e., -COOC_1-6 alkyl, -S-COR₄ and -COR₄ where R₄ is H or C_1-6 alkyl, -C≡CH, and polymerizable aromatic rings such as phenyl, naphthalene, pyrrole, and thiophene. In a preferred embodiment W and W' are independently Br or boronic ester. Derivatives of the substituted claimed compositions can be formed prior to or after addition of the secondary or tertiary functionality.

0050The polymerization and the resulting polymer can be controlled by selecting moieties W and W' having the desired polymerization reaction and desired resultant polymer. Carbon-carbon bond forming reactions may be completed following any suitable method. Methods suitable for use with the monomer of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to the Suzuki Reactions, the Yamamoto Reactions, the Heck Reactions, the Stille Reactions, the Sonogashira-Hagihara Reactions, the Kumada-Corriu Reactions, the Riecke Reactions, and the McCullogh Reactions.

0051Derivatives according to the present disclosure may include homopolymers and copolymers in which W and W' are H. In another embodiment, the compounds of the present disclosure may include homopolymer and copolymers wherein W, and W' are Br. In still another embodiment, the compounds of the present disclosure may include homopolymer and copolymers wherein W, and W' are trialkylstannyl.

0052Many of the derivatives of the respective monomers where W and W' are other than H are formed post-formation of the monomers. In one such post-reaction, one or both hydrogen atoms may be replaced with other functional groups such as bromide or trialkylstannyl groups. The replacement of the hydrogen atoms may take place using any reaction mechanism suitable for use with heterocyclic ring structures. In an alternate embodiment, the W and/or W' containing derivatives may be formed prior to converting thiophene to the first reaction product (e.g., 3,4-dihydroxythiophene) and then undergoing a reaction procedure shown above for the conversion of 3,4-dihydroxythiophene or 3,4-dihydroxyselenophene derivatives to the imidazolone, dioxolone, imidazolethione or dioxolethione based monomers where the W and W' are compatible with the chemistry outlined above.

EXAMPLES

0053The following examples are provided to illustrate various embodiments and comparisons and are not intended to restrict the scope of the disclosure. The structure of the compounds formed by the following Examples was confirmed by using NMR in accordance with conventional methods.

EXAMPLE 1

0054The compound selenolo[2,3-c]thiophene was prepared in a single reaction mixture in accordance with the method of the present disclosure. <chemistry id="chem0043" num="0043"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0043.tif" /></chemistry> A solution of 2-bromomethyl-4-trimethylsilanyl-but-1-en-3-yne-1-thiol (5.00 g, 19.3 mmol) in ether (19.3 mL) under N₂ was cooled to -80 °C. Maintaining the temperature below - 50 °C, <i>n</i>-butyl lithium (2.5 M in hexanes, 7.60 mL, 19.3 mmol) was added. The reaction was allowed to warm to -20 °C and then was cooled to -30 °C. Selenium powder (1.60 g, 20.3 mmol) was added in one portion and stirred at -5 °C for 1 h. The reaction was cooled to -30 °C, water (19.3 mL) was added, and the mixture was agitated vigorously for 20 seconds. The phases were split immediately. The ether layer was extracted with cold water (5.00 mL). The aqueous layers were combined and heated to 70 °C for 1.5 h. Upon cooling to room temperature the reaction mixture was extracted with MTBE (3 × 20.0 mL). The combined MTBE extracts were dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated to an oil. The crude oil was purified by column chromatography (silica gel, cyclohexane) to provide selenolo[2,3-c]thiophene as an oil (2.30 g, 12.3 mmol, 63.7 mol %): 500 MHz ¹H NMR (DMSO-<i>d</i>₆) δ 7.96 (d, <i>J</i> = 6.0 Hz, 1H), 7.69 (d, <i>J</i> = 2.6 Hz, 1H), 7.61 (dd, <i>J</i> = 2.7, 0.6 Hz, 1H), 7.25 (d, <i>J</i> = 6.0 Hz, 1H); 125 MHz ¹³C NMR (DMSO-<i>d</i>₆) δ 149.6, 135.4, 133.5, 120.2, 115.1, 114.8; 76 MHz ⁷⁷Se NMR (DMSO-<i>d</i>₆) δ 429.3 (dd, <i>J</i> {⁷⁷Se-¹H} = 47.0, 7.6 Hz); UV-Vis λ_max = 243.9 nm (CH₂Cl₂); IR (ATR) v 3096, 1548, 1483, 1422, 1340, 1278, 1169, 1070, 982, 834, 758, 726 cm^-1; MS (+APCI) m/z (M+1) = 189.

EXAMPLE 2

0055The compound selenolo[3,4-b]selenophene was prepared in a series of reactions in accordance with the method of the present disclosure. <chemistry id="chem0044" num="0044"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0044.tif" /></chemistry>

0056To a stirred slurry of 2,3,4,5-tetrabromo-selenophene (6.20 g, 13.9 mmol) in acetic acid (10.0 mL) and water (20.0 mL) under N₂ was added zinc (2.90 g, 45.1 mmol). The mixture was heated to 100 °C for 3 h. The reaction mixture was extracted with MTBE. The MTBE extracts were quenched with saturated sodium bicarbonate until the pH was 7-8. The organic was dried over sodium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated to an oil. The crude oil was purified by column chromatography (silica gel, heptane) to provide 3,4-dibromo-selenophene (1.95 g, 6.75 mmol, 48.6 mol %): 500 MHz ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.93 (s, 2H); 125 MHz ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 127, 114. <chemistry id="chem0045" num="0045"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0045.tif" /></chemistry>

0057To a pressure vessel purged with N₂ was added 3,4-dibromo-selenophene (3.69 g, 12.77 mmol), DMF (10.0 mL), triphenylphosphine (0.669 g, 2.55 mmol), copper(I) iodide (0.161 g, 0.843 mmol), diethylamine (dried over KOH, 20.0 mL, 191.55 mmol), (trimethylsilyl)acetylene (0.910 mL, 6.39 mmol), and palladium dichloride-bis-triphenylphosphine (0.592 g, 0.843 mmol). The reaction vessel was sealed and the mixture heated to 90 °C for 1 h. Upon cooling to room temperature, the reaction mixture was diluted with MTBE (100.0 mL) and was washed with 0.1 M HCl (3 × 50.0 mL). The combined aqueous layers were extracted with MTBE (50.0 mL). The combined MTBE extracts were quenched with saturated sodium bicarbonate (50.0 mL), dried over magnesium sulfate, and concentrated to an oil. The crude oil was purified by column chromatography (silica gel, cyclohexane) to provide (4-Bromo-selenophen-3-ylethynyl)-trimethyl-silane (1.55 g, 5.08 mmol, 79.5 mol %): 500 MHz ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 8.15 (d, <i>J</i> = 2.9 Hz, 1H), 7.58 (d, <i>J</i> = 2.9 Hz, 1H), 0.26 (S, 9h); 125 MHz ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 135.4, 127.0, 126.4, 114.1, 99.8, 96.8, 0.2. <chemistry id="chem0046" num="0046"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0046.tif" /></chemistry>

0058A solution of (4-bromo-selenophen-3-ylethynyl)-trimethyl-silane (1.51 g, 4.95 mmol) in ether (6.00 mL) under N₂ was cooled to -65 °C. Maintaining the temperature above -50 °C, <i>n</i>-butyl lithium (2.5 M in hexanes, 1.98 mL, 4.99 mmol) was added. The reaction was allowed to warm to -20 °C, and then was cooled back to -30 °C. Selenium powder (0.410 g, 5.20 mmol) was added in one portion and stirred at -5 °C for 1 h. The reaction was cooled to -30 °C, water (6.00 mL) was added, and the mixture was agitated vigorously for 20 seconds. The phases were split immediately. The ether layer was extracted with cold water (6.00 mL). The aqueous layers were combined and heated to 70 °C for 1 h. Upon cooling to room temperature the reaction was extracted with MTBE (2 × 20.0 mL). The combined MTBE extracts were dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated to an oil. The crude oil was purified by column chromatography (silica gel, cyclohexane; and 4:1 cyclohexane/pentane). The crude material was recrystallized from pentane to provide Selenolo[3,4-b]selenophene as an off-white solid (0.127 g, 0.543 mmol, 11.0 mol %): 500 MHz ¹H NMR (DMSO-<i>d</i>₆) δ 8.29 (d, <i>J</i> = 2.3 Hz, 1H), 8.17 (dd, <i>J</i> = 2.2, 0.6 Hz, 1H), 8.02 (d, <i>J</i> = 6.0 Hz, 1H), 7.11 (d, <i>J</i> = 6.0 Hz, 1H); 125 MHz ¹³C NMR (DMSO-<i>d</i>₆) δ 152.0, 136.4, 132.7, 121.3, 120.8, 119.5; 76 MHz ⁷⁷Se NMR (DMSO-<i>d</i>₆) δ 734.5 (t, <i>J</i> {⁷⁷Se-¹H} = 46.5 Hz), 429.3 (dd, <i>J</i> {⁷⁷Se-¹H} = 46.4, 7.1 Hz); UV-Vis λ_max = 249.5 nm (MeOH); IR (ATR) v 3100, 1548, 1493, 1437, 1318, 1272, 1152, 1108, 1067, 967, 895, 756, 730 cm^-1; MS (+APCI) m/z (M+1) = 237.

EXAMPLE 3

0059The compound selenolo[3,4-b]thiophene was prepared in a series of reactions in accordance with the method of the present disclosure. <chemistry id="chem0047" num="0047"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0047.tif" /></chemistry>

0060To a stirred slurry of 2,3,4,5-tetrabromo-selenophene (6.20 g, 13.9 mmol) in acetic acid (10.0 mL) and water (20.0 mL) under N₂ was added zinc (2.90 g, 45.1 mmol). The mixture was heated to 100 °C for 3 h. The reaction mixture was extracted with MTBE. The MTBE extracts were quenched with saturated sodium bicarbonate until the pH was 7-8. The organic was dried over sodium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated to an oil. The crude oil was purified by column chromatography (silica gel, heptane) to provide 3,4-dibromo-selenophene (1.95 g, 6.75 mmol, 48.6 mol %): 500 MHz ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.93 (s, 2H); 125 MHz ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 127, 114. <chemistry id="chem0048" num="0048"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0048.tif" /></chemistry>

0061To a pressure vessel purged with N₂ was added 3,4-dibromo-selenophene (3.69 g, 12.77 mmol), DMF (10.0 mL), triphenylphosphine (0.669 g, 2.55 mmol), copper(I) iodide (0.161 g, 0.843 mmol), diethylamine (dried over KOH, 20.0 mL, 191.55 mmol), (trimethylsilyl)acetylene (0.910 mL, 6.39 mmol), and palladium dichloride-bis-triphenylphosphine (0.592 g, 0.843 mmol). The reaction vessel was sealed and the mixture heated to 90 °C for 1 h. Upon cooling to room temperature, the reaction mixture was diluted with MTBE (100.0 mL) and was washed with 0.1 M HCl (3 × 50.0 mL). The combined aqueous layers were extracted with MTBE (50.0 mL). The combined MTBE extracts were quenched with saturated sodium bicarbonate (50.0 mL), dried over magnesium sulfate, and concentrated to an oil. The crude oil was purified by column chromatography (silica gel, cyclohexane) to provide (4-bromo-selenophen-3-ylethynyl)-trimethyl-silane (1.55 g, 5.08 mmol, 79.5 mol %): 500 MHz ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 8.15 (d, <i>J</i> = 2.9 Hz, 1H), 7.58 (d, <i>J</i> = 2.9 Hz, 1H), 0.26 (S, 9h); 125 MHz ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 135.4, 127.0, 126.4, 114.1, 99.8, 96.8, 0.2. <chemistry id="chem0049" num="0049"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0049.tif" /></chemistry>

0062A solution of (4-bromo-selenophen-3-ylethynyl)-trimethyl-silane (R = TMS, 1.90 g, 6.23 mmol) in ether (7.40 mL) under N₂ was cooled to -70 °C. Maintaining the temperature below -50 °C, <i>n</i>-butyl lithium (2.5 M in hexanes, 2.50 mL, 6.23 mmol) was added. The reaction was allowed to warm to -20 °C and then cooled back to -30 °C. Sulfur (0.210 g, 6.54 mmol) was added in one portion and stirred at 0 °C for 1 h. The reaction was cooled to -30 °C; water (7.40 mL) was added and agitated vigorously for 20 seconds. The phases were split immediately. The ether layer was extracted with cold water (4.00 mL). The aqueous layers were combined and heated to 70 °C for 1.5 h. Upon cooling to room temperature the reaction was extracted with MTBE (3 × 20.0 mL). The combined MTBE extracts were dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated to an oil. The crude oil was purified by column chromatography (silica gel, cyclohexane) to provide selenolo[3,4-b]thiophene as an oil (0.344 g, 1.84 mmol, 29.5 mol %): 500 MHz ¹H NMR (DMSO-<i>d</i>₆) δ 8.24 (d, <i>J</i> = 2.3 Hz, 1H), 8.18 (dd, <i>J</i> = 2.3, 0.8 Hz, 1H), 7.68 (d, <i>J</i> = 5.7 Hz, 1H), 6.88 (d, <i>J</i> = 5.7 Hz, 1H); 125 MHz ¹³C NMR (DMSO-<i>d</i>₆) δ 149.7, 140.0, 133.0, 119.0, 117.4, 116.4; 76 MHz ⁷⁷Se NMR (DMSO-<i>d</i>₆) δ 739.7 (t, <i>J</i> {⁷⁷Se-¹H} = 46.6 Hz); UV-Vis λ_max = 248.3 nm (CH₂Cl₂); IR (ATR) v 3095, 1549, 1488, 1319, 1289, 1152, 1077, 989, 804, 748 cm^-1; MS (+APCI) <i>m</i>/<i>z</i> (M+1) = 189.

EXAMPLE 4

0063The monomers can be readily derivatised in the 2-position according to the disclosure providing new compositions of matter. This example illustrates the preparation of 2-phenyl-selenolo[3,4-b]selenophene, which was prepared in a series of reactions in accordance with the method of the present disclosure. <chemistry id="chem0050" num="0050"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0050.tif" /></chemistry>

0064A solution of 3,4-dibromo-selenophene (2.36 g, 8.17 mmol) in ether (24.0 mL) under N₂ was cooled to -70 °C. Maintaining the temperature below -50 °C <i>n</i>-butyl lithium (2.5 M in hexanes, 3.43 mL, 8.58 mmol) was added. lodine chips (2.28 g, 8.99 mmol) were added and the reaction mixture was warmed to 0 °C over at least 1 h. After addition of MTBE (50.0 mL), the reaction was quenched with saturated sodium bicarbonate (20.0 mL). The phases were split and the MTBE/ether extract was quenched with additional saturated sodium bicarbonate (20.0 mL). The combined MTBE/ether extracts were dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated to an oil. The oil was purified by column chromatography (silica gel, cyclohexane). The combined fractions in cyclohexane were treated with sodium metabisulfite, filtered, and concentrated to provide 3-bromo-4-iodo-selenophene as an oil (1.97 g, 5.87 mmol, 71.8 mol %): 300 MHz ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 8.1 (d, <i>J</i> = 3.0 Hz, 1H), 7.89 (d, <i>J</i> = 3.0 Hz, 1H). <chemistry id="chem0051" num="0051"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0051.tif" /></chemistry>

0065To a pressure vessel purged with N₂ was added 3-bromo-4-iodo-selenophene (1.97 g, 5.87 mmol), DMF (5.20 mL), triphenylphosphine (0.307 g, 1.17 mmol), copper(I) iodide (0.0740 g, 0.387 mmol), diethylamine (dried over KOH, 9.20 mL, 88.0 mmol), phenyl acetylene (0.645 mL, 5.87 mmol), and palladium dichloride-bis-triphenylphosphine (0.272 g, 0.387 mmol). The reaction vessel was sealed and the mixture heated to 70 °C for 1 h. Upon cooling to room temperature, the reaction mixture was diluted with MTBE (50.0 mL) and was washed with 0.1 M HCl (3 × 30.0 mL). The combined aqueous layers were extracted with MTBE (30.0 mL). The MTBE rich layer was dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated to an oil. The crude oil was purified by column chromatography (silica gel, cyclohexane) to provide 3-bromo-4-phenylethynyl-selenophene(1.07 g, 3.19 mmol, 54.3 mol %): 500 MHz ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 8.18 (d, <i>J</i>= 2.9 Hz, 1H), 7.90 (d, <i>J</i> = 2.9 Hz, 1H), 7.58-7.54 (m, 2H), 7.36-7.32 (m, 3H); 125 MHz ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 134.2, 131.7, 128.5, 128.4, 126.8, 126.3, 122.9, 114.1, 91.0, 84.7. <chemistry id="chem0052" num="0052"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0052.tif" /></chemistry>

0066A solution of 3-bromo-4-phenylethynyl-selenophene (2.00 g, 6.45 mmol) in ether (26.0 mL) under N₂ was cooled to -65 °C. Maintaining the temperature below -50 °C <i>tert</i>-butyl lithium (1.7 M in pentane, 7.59 mL, 12.9 mmol) was added. The reaction was stirred at -60 to -50 °C for 0.5 h. Selenium powder (0.530 g, 6.71 mmol) was added in one portion; the mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature over 2 h and was held for 1 h. The solvent was evaporated and a solution of potassium hydroxide (0.434 g, 7.74 mmol) in methanol (25.0 mL) was added and heated to reflux for 15 h. Upon cooling to room temperature the reaction was concentrated to an oil, dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ and extracted with water. The aqueous layer was extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The combined organic layers were dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated to a crude residue. The crude material was recrystallized from CH₂Cl₂ and methanol to provide 2-phenyl-selenolo[3,4-b]selenophene as a light orange powder (0.571 g, 1.84 mmol, 40.8 mol %): 500 MHz ¹H NMR (DMSO-<i>d</i>₆) δ 8.34 (d, <i>J</i> = 2.3 Hz, 1H), 8.22 (dd, <i>J</i> = 2.2, 0.6 Hz, 1H), 7.62-7.59 (m, 2H), 7.57 (s, 1 H), 7.45-7.42 (m, 2H), 7.39-7.35 (m, 1 H); 125 MHz ¹³C NMR (DMSO-<i>d</i>₆) δ 151.9, 148.3, 136.0, 134.6, 129.1, 128.5, 125.9, 122.6, 119.9, 116.9; 95 MHz ⁷⁷Se NMR (DMSO-<i>d</i>₆) δ 731.2 (t, <i>J</i> {⁷⁷Se-¹H} = 45.8 Hz), 427.7 (d, <i>J</i> {⁷⁷Se-¹H} = 3.8 Hz); UV-Vis λ_max = 309.3 nm (CH₂Cl₂); IR (ATR) v 3088, 1553, 1482, 1438, 1327, 1303, 1221, 1152, 1074, 1028, 901, 843, 827, 750, 683 cm^-1; MS (+APCI) <i>m</i>/<i>z</i> (M+1) = 313.

EXAMPLE 5

0067The monomers can be readily derivatised in the 2-position according to the disclosure providing new compositions of matter. This example illustrates the preparation of 2-phenyl-selenolo[3,4-b]thiophene, which was prepared in a series of reactions in accordance with the method of the present disclosure. <chemistry id="chem0053" num="0053"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0053.tif" /></chemistry>

0068A solution of 3,4-dibromo-selenophene (2.36 g, 8.17 mmol) in ether (24.0 mL) under N₂ was cooled to -70 °C. Maintaining the temperature below -50 °C <i>n</i>-butyl lithium (2.5 M in hexanes, 3.43 mL, 8.58 mmol) was added. Iodine chips (2.28 g, 8.99 mmol) were added and the reaction mixture was warmed to 0 °C over at least 1 h. After addition of MTBE (50.0 mL), the reaction was quenched with saturated sodium bicarbonate (20.0 mL). The phases were split and the MTBE/ether extract was quenched with additional saturated sodium bicarbonate (20.0 mL). The combined MTBE/ether extracts were dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated to an oil. The oil was purified by column chromatography (silica gel, cyclohexane). The combined fractions in cyclohexane were treated with sodium metabisulfite, filtered, and concentrated to provide 3-bromo-4-iodo-selenophene as an oil (1.97 g, 5.87 mmol, 71.8 mol %): 300 MHz ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 8.1 (d, <i>J</i> = 3.0 Hz, 1H), 7.89 (d, <i>J</i> = 3.0 Hz, 1H). <chemistry id="chem0054" num="0054"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0054.tif" /></chemistry>

0069To a pressure vessel purged with N₂ was added 3-bromo-4-iodo-selenophene (1.97 g, 5.87 mmol), DMF (5.20 mL), triphenylphosphine (0.307 g, 1.17 mmol), copper(I) iodide (0.0740 g, 0.387 mmol), diethylamine (dried over KOH, 9.20 mL, 88.0 mmol), phenyl acetylene (0.645 mL, 5.87 mmol), and palladium dichloride-bis-triphenylphosphine (0.272 g, 0.387 mmol). The reaction vessel was sealed and the mixture heated to 70 °C for 1 h. Upon cooling to room temperature, the reaction mixture was diluted with MTBE (50.0 mL) and was washed with 0.1 M HCl (3 × 30.0 mL). The combined aqueous layers were extracted with MTBE (30.0 mL). The MTBE rich layer was dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated to an oil. The crude oil was purified by column chromatography (silica gel, cyclohexane) to provide 3-bromo-4-phenylethynyl-selenophene(1.07 g, 3.19 mmol, 54.3 mol %): 500 MHz ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 8.18 (d, <i>J</i> = 2.9 Hz, 1H), 7.90 (d, <i>J</i> = 2.9 Hz, 1H), 7.58-7.54 (m, 2H), 7.36-7.32 (m, 3H); 125 MHz ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃) δ 134.2, 131.7, 128.5, 128.4, 126.8, 126.3, 122.9, 114.1, 91.0, 84.7. <chemistry id="chem0055" num="0055"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0055.tif" /></chemistry>

0070A solution of 3-bromo-4-phenylethynyl-selenophene (1.65 g, 5.32 mmol) in ether (6.00 mL) under N₂ was cooled to -70 °C. Maintaining the temperature below -50 °C, n-butyl lithium (2.5 M in hexanes, 2.13 mL, 5.32 mmol) was added. The reaction was allowed to warm to -30 °C and then was cooled to -50 °C. Sulfur (0.179 g, 5.59 mmol) was added in one portion and stirred at 0 °C for 2 h. The solvent was evaporated and a solution of KOH (0.373 g, 6.65 mmol) in methanol (6 mL) was added and heated to reflux for 19 h. Upon cooling to room temperature, the reaction was concentrated, reconstituted in CH₂Cl₂ and washed with water. The CH₂Cl₂ layer was treated with magnesium sulfate and Darco G60. After filtration and addition of methanol, the CH₂Cl₂ was evaporated until the material crystallized out of solution. The crude material was recrystallized from CH₂Cl₂/methanol to obtain 2-phenyl-selenolo[3,4-b]thiophene as a light brown solid (0.355 g, 1.35 mmol, 25.4 mol %): 500 MHz ¹H NMR (DMSO-<i>d</i>₆) δ 8.29 (d, <i>J</i> = 2.1 Hz, 1H), 8.22 (d, <i>J</i> = 1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.68 (d, J = 7.3 Hz, 2H), 7.46 (t, <i>J</i> = 7.3 Hz, 2H), 7.40-7.37 (m, 2H); 125 MHz ¹³C NMR (DMSO-<i>d</i>₆) δ 149.8, 148.0, 138.4, 134.3, 129.1, 128.7, 125.5, 120.1, 116.8, 113.7; 95 MHz ⁷⁷Se NMR (DMSO-<i>d</i>₆) δ 737.2 (t, <i>J</i> {⁷⁷Se-¹H} = 45.8 Hz); UV-Vis λ_max = 308.2 nm (CH₂Cl₂); IR (ATR) v 3092, 1552, 1484, 1440, 1329, 1224, 1152, 1069, 1027, 924, 903, 819, 752, 735, 685 cm^-1; MS (+APCI) m/z (M+1) = 265.

0071While the disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to any particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. In the following clauses, preferred embodiments of the invention are described: <ol id="ol0001"><li>1. A method for preparing a compound of formula (1): <chemistry id="chem0056" num="0056"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0056.tif" /></chemistry> wherein X is S or Se, Y is S or Se, wherein one or both of X and Y is Se, R is a substituent group, the method comprising the steps of: <ul id="ul0001" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>providing a first reactant having the formula (2): <chemistry id="chem0057" num="0057"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0057.tif" /></chemistry></li></ul> wherein Y is defined above and Ha is a halogen containing group; reducing the first reactant in the presence of a metal reducing agent to form a second reactant having the formula (3): <chemistry id="chem0058" num="0058"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0058.tif" /></chemistry> wherein Y and Ha are defined above; reacting the second reactant with a substituted 1-alkyne in the presence of a transition metal catalyst, the third reactant having the formula (4): <chemistry id="chem0059" num="0059"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0059.tif" /></chemistry> wherein R, Y and Ha are defined above; reacting the third reactant with an alkyl lithium in the presence of a compound comprising X, X being defined above, to produce a fourth reactant having the formula (5): <chemistry id="chem0060" num="0060"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0060.tif" /></chemistry> wherein R, X, and Y are defined above; and reacting the fourth reactant with water to form the compound having formula (1).</li><li>2. The method of clause 1, wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, isotopes of hydrogen, hydroxyl, alkyl, arylalkyl, alkenyl, perfluoroalkyl, perfluororaryl, aryl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, alkanoyl, alkylthio, aryloxy, alkylthioalkyl, alkynyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, amido, alkylsulfinyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkylsulfonyl, aryl, arylamino, diarylamino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylarylamino, arylthio, heteroaryl, arylsulfinyl, alkoxycarbonyl, arylsulfonyl, carboxyl, halogen, nitro, cyano, sulfonic acid, and alkyl and phenyl substituted with one or more sulfonic acid, sulfonic acid derivative, phosphoric acid, phosphoric acid derivative, carboxylic acid, carboxylic acid derivative, halo, amino, nitro, hydroxyl, cyano, epoxy moieties and combinations thereof.</li><li>3. The method of clause 1, wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, C₁ to C₁₂ primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl groups, which may be mono- or polysubstituted by F, Cl, Br, I or CN, and wherein one or more non-adjacent CH2 groups may be replaced, independently with -O-, -S-, - NH-, -NR'-, -SiR'R^"-, -CO-, -COO-, -OCO-, -OCO-O-, -S- CO-, -CO-S-, -CH=CH- or -C=C-in such a manner that O and/or S atoms are not linked directly to one another, phenyl and substituted phenyl groups, cyclohexyl, naphthalenic, hydroxyl, alkyl ether, perfluoroalkyl, perfluoroaryl, carboxylic acids, esters and sulfonic acid groups, perfluoro, SF₅, F and combinations thereof, wherein R^' and R^" are independently of each other H, aryl or alkyl with 1 to 12 C-atoms.</li><li>4. The method of clause 1, wherein R is selected from the group consisting of C₁ to C₁₂ primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl groups and perfluoroalkyl groups.</li><li>5. The method of clause 1, wherein the halogen containing group is a halogen selected from the group consisting of Br, I and combinations thereof.</li><li>6. The method of clause 1, wherein the metal reducing agent is zinc.</li><li>7. The method of clause 1, wherein the transition metal catalyst includes a platinum group metal.</li><li>8. The method of clause 7, wherein the transition metal catalyst is palladium dichloride-bis-triphenylphosphine.</li><li>9. The method of clause 1, wherein the alkyl lithium comprises a n-butyl lithium.</li><li>10. The method of clause 1, wherein the compound comprising X is selected from the group consisting of Se powder, S₈ and combinations thereof.</li><li>11. A method for preparing a compound of formula (4): <chemistry id="chem0061" num="0061"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0061.tif" /></chemistry> wherein Y is S or Se, R is a substituent group and Ha is a halogen containing group, the method comprising the steps of: <ul id="ul0002" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>providing a first reactant having the formula (2): <chemistry id="chem0062" num="0062"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0062.tif" /></chemistry></li></ul> wherein Y is defined above and Ha is a halogen containing group; reducing the first reactant in the presence of a metal reducing agent to form a second reactant having the formula (3): <chemistry id="chem0063" num="0063"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0063.tif" /></chemistry> wherein Y and Ha are defined above; and reacting the second reactant with a substituted 1-alkyne in the presence of a transition metal catalyst to form the compound having the structure according to formula (4).</li><li>12. The method of clause 11, wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, isotopes of hydrogen, hydroxyl, alkyl, arylalkyl, alkenyl, perfluoroalkyl, perfluororaryl, aryl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, alkanoyl, alkylthio, aryloxy, alkylthioalkyl, alkynyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, amido, alkylsulfinyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkylsulfonyl, aryl, arylamino, diarylamino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylarylamino, arylthio, heteroaryl, arylsulfinyl, alkoxycarbonyl, arylsulfonyl, carboxyl, halogen, nitro, cyano, sulfonic acid, and alkyl and phenyl substituted with one or more sulfonic acid, sulfonic acid derivative, phosphoric acid, phosphoric acid derivative, carboxylic acid, carboxylic acid derivative, halo, amino, nitro, hydroxyl, cyano, epoxy moieties and combinations thereof.</li><li>13. The method of clause 11, wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, C₁ to C₁₂ primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl groups, which may be mono- or polysubstituted by F, Cl, Br, I or CN, and wherein one or more non-adjacent CH2 groups may be replaced, independently with -O-, -S-, - NH-, -NR'-, -SiR'R^"-, -CO-, -COO-, -OCO-, -OCO-O-, -S- CO-, -CO-S-, -CH=CH- or -C=C-in such a manner that O and/or S atoms are not linked directly to one another, phenyl and substituted phenyl groups, cyclohexyl, naphthalenic, hydroxyl, alkyl ether, perfluoroalkyl, perfluoroaryl, carboxylic acids, esters and sulfonic acid groups, perfluoro, SF₅, F and combinations thereof, wherein R^' and R^" are independently of each other H, aryl or alkyl with 1 to 12 C-atoms.</li><li>14. The method of clause 11, wherein R is selected from the group consisting of C₁ to C₁₂ primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl groups and perfluoroalkyl groups.</li><li>15. The method of clause 11, wherein the halogen containing group is a halogen selected from the group consisting of Br, I and combinations thereof.</li><li>16. The method of clause 11, wherein the metal reducing agent is zinc.</li><li>17. The method of clause 11, wherein the transition metal catalyst includes a platinum group metal.</li><li>18. The method of clause 17, wherein the transition metal catalyst is palladium dichloride-bis-triphenylphosphine.</li><li>19. A method for preparing a compound of formula (1): <chemistry id="chem0064" num="0064"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0064.tif" /></chemistry> wherein X is S or Se, Y is S or Se, wherein one or both of X and Y is Se, R is a substituent group, the method comprising the steps of: <ul id="ul0003" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>providing a reactant having the formula (4): <chemistry id="chem0065" num="0065"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0065.tif" /></chemistry></li></ul> wherein R and Y are defined above and Ha is a halogen containing group; reacting the reactant with an alkyl lithium in the presence of a compound comprising X, X being defined above, to produce a reactant having the formula (5): <chemistry id="chem0066" num="0066"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0066.tif" /></chemistry> wherein R, X, and Y are defined above; and reacting the fourth reactant with water to form the compound having formula (1).</li><li>20. The method of clause 19, wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, isotopes of alkyl, arylalkyl, alkenyl, perfluoroalkyl, perfluororaryl, aryl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, alkanoyl, alkylthio, aryloxy, alkylthioalkyl, alkynyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, amido, alkylsulfinyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkylsulfonyl, aryl, arylamino, diarylamino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylarylamino, arylthio, heteroaryl, arylsulfinyl, alkoxycarbonyl, arylsulfonyl, carboxyl, halogen, nitro, cyano, sulfonic acid, and alkyl and phenyl substituted with one or more sulfonic acid, sulfonic acid derivative, phosphoric acid, phosphoric acid derivative, carboxylic acid, carboxylic acid derivative, halo, amino, nitro, hydroxyl, cyano, epoxy moieties and combinations thereof.</li><li>21. The method of clause 19, wherein R is selected from the group consisting of alkylaryl, arylalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, C₁ to C₁₂ primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl groups, which may be mono- or polysubstituted by F, Cl, Br, I or CN, and wherein one or more non-adjacent CH2 groups may be replaced, independently with -O-, -S-, -NH-, -NR'-, - SiR'R^"-, -CO-, -COO-, -OCO-, -OCO-O-, -S- CO-, -CO-S-, -CH=CH- or -C≡C- in such a manner that O and/or S atoms are not linked directly to one another, phenyl and substituted phenyl groups, cyclohexyl, naphthalenic, hydroxyl, alkyl ether, perfluoroalkyl, perfluoroaryl, carboxylic acids, esters and sulfonic acid groups, perfluoro, SF₅, F and combinations thereof, wherein R^' and R^" are independently of each other H, aryl or alkyl with 1 to 12 C-atoms.</li><li>22. The method of clause 19, wherein R is selected from the group consisting of C₁ to C₁₂ primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl groups and perfluoroalkyl groups.</li><li>23. The method of clause 19, wherein the halogen containing group is a halogen selected from the group consisting of Br, I and combinations thereof.</li><li>24. The method of clause 19, wherein the alkyl lithium comprises a n-butyl lithium.</li><li>25. The method of clause 19, wherein the compound comprising X is selected from the group consisting of Se powder, S₈ and combinations thereof.</li><li>26. A method for preparing a compound of formula (6): <chemistry id="chem0067" num="0067"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0067.tif" /></chemistry> wherein X is S or Se, Y is S or Se, wherein one or both of X and Y is Se, the method comprising the steps of: <ul id="ul0004" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>providing a reactant according to formula (7): <chemistry id="chem0068" num="0068"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0068.tif" /></chemistry></li></ul> wherein Y is defined above, P_g is a protecting group, and Ha is a halogen containing group; reacting the reactant with an alkyl lithium in the presence of a compound comprising X, X being defined above, to produce a reactant according to formula (8): <chemistry id="chem0069" num="0069"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0069.tif" /></chemistry> wherein P_g, X, and Y are defined above; and reacting the reactant according to formula (5) with water to form the compound having formula (7).</li><li>27. The method of clause 26, wherein P_g is a silicon-based protecting group.</li><li>28. The method of clause 26, wherein P_g is a trimethyl silane.</li><li>29. The method of clause 26, wherein the halogen containing group is a halogen selected from the group consisting of Br, I and combinations thereof.</li><li>30. The method of clause 26, wherein the alkyl lithium comprises a n-butyl lithium.</li><li>31. The method of clause 26, wherein the compound comprising X is selected from the group consisting of Se powder, S₈ and combinations thereof.</li><li>32. A heterocyclic monomer compound according to the following formula: <chemistry id="chem0070" num="0070"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0070.tif" /></chemistry> wherein X is S or Se, Y is S or Se, wherein one or both of X and Y is Se, R is a substituent group selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, alkyl, including C₁ to C₂₀ primary, secondary and tertiary alkyl groups, arylalkyl, alkenyl, perfluoroalkyl, perfluororaryl, aryl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, alkanoyl, alkylthio, aryloxy, alkylthioalkyl, alkynyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, amido, alkylsulfinyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkylsulfonyl, aryl, arylamino, diarylamino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylarylamino, arylthio, heteroaryl, arylsulfinyl, alkoxycarbonyl, arylsulfonyl, carboxyl, halogen, nitro, cyano, sulfonic acid, and alkyl and phenyl substituted with one or more sulfonic acid, and derivatives of sulfonic acid, phosphoric acid and derivatives of phosphoric acid, carboxylic acid and derivatives of carboxylic acid, halo, amino, nitro, hydroxyl, cyano and epoxy moieties.</li><li>33. The compound of clause 32, wherein R is selected from the group consisting of alkylaryl, arylalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, C₁ to C₁₂ primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl groups, which may be mono- or polysubstituted by F, Cl, Br, I or CN, and wherein one or more non-adjacent CH2 groups may be replaced, independently with -O-, -S-, -NH-, -NR'-, -SiR'R^"-, -CO-, -COO-, -OCO-, -OCO-O-, -S- CO-, -CO-S-, -CH=CH- or -C=C- in such a manner that O and/or S atoms are not linked directly to one another, phenyl and substituted phenyl groups, cyclohexyl, naphthalenic, hydroxyl, alkyl ether, perfluoroalkyl, perfluoroaryl, carboxylic acids, esters and sulfonic acid groups, perfluoro, SF₅, F and combinations thereof, wherein R^' and R^" are independently of each other H, aryl or alkyl with 1 to 12 C-atoms.</li><li>34. The compound of clause 32, wherein R is selected from the group consisting of C₁ to C₁₂ primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl groups and perfluoroalkyl groups.</li><li>35. The compound of clause 32, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of 2-phenyl-selenolo[2,3-c]thiophene, 2-phenyl-selenolo[3,4-b]thiophene and 2-phenyl-selenolo[3,4-b]selenophene, 2-hexyl-selenolo[2,3-c]thiophene, 2-hexyl-selenolo[3,4-b]thiophene and 2-hexyl-selenolo[3,4-b]selenophene.</li><li>36. A heterocyclic monomer compound according to the following formula: <chemistry id="chem0071" num="0071"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0071.tif" /></chemistry> wherein X is S or Se, Y is S or Se, wherein one or both of X and Y is Se, a substituent group selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, isotopes of hydrogen, hydroxyl, alkyl, including C₁ to C₂₀ primary, secondary and tertiary alkyl groups, arylalkyl, alkenyl, perfluoroalkyl, perfluororaryl, aryl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, alkanoyl, alkylthio, aryloxy, alkylthioalkyl, alkynyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, amido, alkylsulfinyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkylsulfonyl, aryl, arylamino, diarylamino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylarylamino, arylthio, heteroaryl, arylsulfinyl, alkoxycarbonyl, arylsulfonyl, carboxyl, halogen, nitro, cyano, sulfonic acid, and alkyl and phenyl substituted with one or more sulfonic acid, and derivatives of sulfonic acid, phosphoric acid and derivatives of phosphoric acid, carboxylic acid and derivatives of carboxylic acid, halo, amino, nitro, hydroxyl, cyano and epoxy moieties.</li><li>37. The compound of clause 36, wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, C₁ to C₁₂ primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl groups, which may be mono- or polysubstituted by F, Cl, Br, I or CN, and wherein one or more non-adjacent CH2 groups may be replaced, independently with -O-, -S-, - NH-, -NR'-, -SiR'R^"-, -CO-, -COO-, -OCO-, -OCO-O-, -S- CO-, -CO-S-, -CH=CH- or -C=C-in such a manner that O and/or S atoms are not linked directly to one another, phenyl and substituted phenyl groups, cyclohexyl, naphthalenic, hydroxyl, alkyl ether, perfluoroalkyl, perfluoroaryl, carboxylic acids, esters and sulfonic acid groups, perfluoro, SF₅, F and combinations thereof, wherein R^' and R^" are independently of each other H, aryl or alkyl with 1 to 12 C-atoms.</li><li>38. The compound of clause 36, wherein the W and W' are independently selected from the group consisting of halogen atoms, metallorganics, boronic acid, boronic ester, vinyl containing groups, ether, esters, -C≡CH, and polymerizable aromatic rings.</li><li>39. The compound of clause 36, wherein R is selected from the group consisting of C₁ to C₁₂ primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl groups and perfluoroalkyl groups.</li><li>40. The compound of clause 36, wherein the W and W' are independently Br or boronic ester.</li><li>41. A compound having the following formula: <chemistry id="chem0072" num="0072"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0072.tif" /></chemistry> wherein Y is S or Se, R is a substituent group and Ha is a halogen containing group.</li><li>42. The compound of clause 41, wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, isotopes of hydrogen, hydroxyl, alkyl, arylalkyl, alkenyl, perfluoroalkyl, perfluororaryl, aryl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, alkanoyl, alkylthio, aryloxy, alkylthioalkyl, alkynyl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, amido, alkylsulfinyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkylsulfonyl, aryl, arylamino, diarylamino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylarylamino, arylthio, heteroaryl, arylsulfinyl, alkoxycarbonyl, arylsulfonyl, carboxyl, halogen, nitro, cyano, sulfonic acid, and alkyl and phenyl substituted with one or more sulfonic acid, sulfonic acid derivative, phosphoric acid, phosphoric acid derivative, carboxylic acid, carboxylic acid derivative, halo, amino, nitro, hydroxyl, cyano, epoxy moieties and combinations thereof.</li><li>43. The compound of clause 41, wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, C₁ to C₁₂ primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl groups, which may be mono- or polysubstituted by F, Cl, Br, I or CN, and wherein one or more non-adjacent CH2 groups may be replaced, independently with -O-, -S-, - NH-, -NR'-, -SiR'R^"-, -CO-, -COO-, -OCO-, -OCO-O-, -S- CO-, -CO-S-, -CH=CH- or -C≡C-in such a manner that O and/or S atoms are not linked directly to one another, phenyl and substituted phenyl groups, cyclohexyl, naphthalenic, hydroxyl, alkyl ether, perfluoroalkyl, perfluoroaryl, carboxylic acids, esters and sulfonic acid groups, perfluoro, SF₅, F and combinations thereof, wherein R^' and R^" are independently of each other H, aryl or alkyl with 1 to 12 C-atoms.</li><li>44. The compound of clause 41, wherein R is selected from the group consisting of C₁ to C₁₂ primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl groups and perfluoroalkyl groups.</li><li>45. A compound having the following formula: <chemistry id="chem0073" num="0073"><img file="EP2014664A2_D0073.tif" /></chemistry> wherein Y is Se, Ha is a halogen containing group.</li><li>46. The compound of clause 45, wherein Ha is independently selected from the group consisting of Br and I.</li><li>47. The compound of clause 45, wherein at least one Ha is Br and at least one Ha is I.</li></ol>