Synthesis, properties, and structures of benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']bis[b]benzothiophene and benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']bis[b]benzoselenophene.

Employing two consecutive cyclization reactions, benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']bis[b]benzochalcogenophenes, which are pi-extended heteroarenes, were efficiently synthesized. Their electronic and crystal structures were elucidated on the basis of UV-vis spectra, electrochemical measurements, and X-ray structural analyses.