Microwave radiation has been employed to synthesise soluble polythiophenes 1-4 via the Stille coupling, resulting in the preparation of polythiophene 1 with higher molecular weights (Mn>15,000) and a lower polydispersity (Mw/Mn≈2) than when synthesised using conventional heating. Field-effect mobilities of greater than 3 × 10 -2 cm2/V s were measured for polymer 1 in an organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) device. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.