Crystal structure of α,ω‐bis(triisopropylsilyl)‐sexithiophene: Unusual conjugated chain distortion induced by interchain steric effects

The structure of a sexithiophene derivative end‐substituted by two bulky triisopropylsilyl groups has been determined in an attempt to better understand the relationship between structure and the electronic and optical properties of polythiopenes. The synthesis and structural characterizaation of derivative are descried in detail and the unusual crystal system that involves staggered parallel arrays of molecules and a strong deviation from coplanarity of the π‐ conjugated backbone is discussed.