Multiple Diels-Alder Transformations in Linear π-Conjugated Systems

π-Conjugated molecules are the active materials in organic electronics, yet the range of available materials is limited by the nontrivial, multistep synthetic process required to obtain long π-conjugated backbones. Here, Diels-Alder cycloaddition and its reactivity and selectivity are evaluated as a means for obtaining long, novel, π-conjugated backbones. Particular attention is paid to the Diels-Alder conjugation products of furans, such as selectively substituted arenes and, potentially, carbon nanoribbons. 1 Introduction 2 Aromatic Transformations by Diels-Alder Cycloaddition 3 The Question of Regioselectivity 4 Outlook.