Controlled synthesis of ortho , para -alternating linked polyarenes via catalyst-transfer Suzuki coupling polymerization
A novel class of ortho , para -alternating linked polyarenes is synthesized via catalyst-transfer Suzuki coupling polymerization with Pd 2 (dba) 3 / t -Bu 3 P/ p -BrC 6 H 4 COPh as initiator. Through a series of kinetic studies and MALDI-TOF analysis, the polymerization is shown to proceed in a chain-growth manner. The optical and thermal properties for the ortho , para -alternating linked polyarenes exhibit unusual molecular weight dependence. Thus, the polymer with lower molecular weight ( M n = 6300 g mol –1 ) emits green fluorescence whereas the one with higher molecular weight ( M n = 13 800 g mol –1 ) emits blue fluorescence under UV (λ = 360 nm) irradiation. Furthermore, an all-conjugated block copolymer containing a polyfluorene block and the ortho , para -alternating linked block is also successfully prepared, in a one-pot procedure. These results can provide a pathway to obtain polyarenes with precisely controlled structures, hence, desirable properties.