Molecular "backbone surgery" of electron-deficient heteroarenes based on dithienopyrrolobenzothiadiazole: conformation-dependent crystal structures and charge transport properties.

Electron-deficient heteroarenes based on dithienopyrrolobenzothiadiazole (BTP) have been highly attractive due to their fascinating packing structures, broad absorption profiles, and promising applications in non-fullerene organic solar cells. However, the control of their crystal structures for superior charge transport still faces big challenges. Herein, a conformation engineering strategy is proposed to rationally manipulate the single crystal structure of BTP-series heteroarenes.