Synthesis of an azulene-containing graphene nanoribbon

The solution-phase synthesis of a non-benzenoid nanoribbon from an azulene-containing polymer via alkyne benzannulation is reported. The nanoribbon is soluble in common organic solvents and exhibits conductivity values up to 1.5 x 10-3 S cm-1 once doped by protonation in the thin film state. An azulene-containing graphene nanoribbon was prepared from an azulene-containing polymer using alkyne benzannulation.