Bis(2-acenyl)acetylene compounds that are useful as organic semiconductors are disclosed. The compounds, when used as the active layer in OTFTs exhibit device characteristics, like charge-carrier mobilities and current on/off ratios, that are comparable to those of pentacene. Also described are semiconductor devices comprising at least one compound of the invention; and articles comprising the semiconductor devices such as thin film transistors or transistor arrays, and electroluminescent lamps.