Substituted pentacenes (8a, 8b, 14a, and 14b) were prepared by Strating-Zwanenburg photodecarbonylation of diones (7a, 7b, 13a, and 13b). The compounds are red and stable in the solid state under inert atmosphere as well as in degassed solutions, but not in air. Each is soluble in common organic solvents where, unless protected, they are oxygen sensitive.