Soluble, photosensitive precursors of pentacene are synthesized by a one-step Diels-Alder reaction of pentacene with N-sulfinylamides. These precursors may include a photopolymerizable group, which renders the pentacene precursor as a negative tone resist. The pentacene precursor may also include an acid-sensitive protecting group, which in the presence of a photoacid generator and upon exposure to UV light, is removed and the product becomes base soluble. Patterned pentacene thin films may be obtained by exposure to UV light through a mask and/or heating, and used as an active channel material for an organic field effect transistor.