One-step synthesis of unsymmetrical N-alkyl-N'-aryl perylene diimides.

An efficient and facile protocol for the synthesis of unsymmetrical N-alkyl-N'-aryl perylene diimides is reported that circumvents the need for multiple reaction steps. A number of unsymmetrical perylene diimides containing a solubilizing swallowtail alkyl group and a variety of substituted aryl groups can be prepared in a single step from a simple mixture of amines.