We present the synthesis and characterization of a fused-ring compound, dithieno[2,3-
d:2',3'-
d']thieno[3,2-
b:4,5-
b']dithiophene (pentathienoacene, PTA). In contrast to pentacene, PTA has a largerband gap than most semiconductors used in organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) and therefore isexpected to be stable in air. The large
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-conjugated and planar molecular structure of PTA would alsoform higher molecular orders that are conductive for carrier transport. X-ray diffraction and atomic forcemicroscopy experiments on its films show that the molecules stack in layers with their long axis uprightfrom the surface. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy suggests that there are no chemical bonds at the PTA/Au interface. OFETs based on the PTA have been constructed, and their performances as p-typesemiconductors are also presented. A high mobility of 0.045 cm
2/V s and an on/off ratio of 10
3 for a PTAOFET have been achieved, demonstrating the potential of PTA for application in future organic electronics.