Synthesis of Conjugated Diblock Copolymers: Two Mechanistically Distinct, Sequential Living Polymerizations using a Single Catalyst

Journal Article · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 2012 · Polym. Chem.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1039/C2PY00566B· OSTI ID:1066016

Wu, Zong-Quan ^[1]; Radcliffe, Jonathan D. ^[2]; Ono, Robert J. ^[2]; Chen, Zheng ^[2]; Li, Zicheng ^[2]; Bielawski, Christopher W. ^[2]

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1. Hefei Univ. of Technology (China). School of Chemical Engineering
2. Univ. of Texas, Austin, TX (United States)

Block copolymers comprised of poly(3-hexylthiophene) and three different poly(isocyanide)s were synthesized in a single pot via the sequential addition of 2-bromo-3-hexyl-5-chloromagnesiothiophene followed by 2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl 4-isocyanobenzoate, tert-butyl 4-isocyanobenzoate, or 1-isocyanohexadecane to a solution of 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane dichloronickel. Similarly, block copolymers of poly(1-dodecylpyrrole) along with poly(2,5-bis(hexyloxy)phenylene) and a poly(arylisocyanide) were also prepared using an analogous methodology. The respective mechanistically distinct polymerizations proceeded in a controlled fashion, were mediated by a common catalyst, and afforded well-defined block copolymers with tunable molecular weights and compositions. Selected block copolymers exhibited higher-order structures in solution and microphase separation characteristics in the solid state.

• Research Organization: Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRC); Understanding Charge Separation and Transfer at Interfaces in Energy Materials (CST)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: SC0001091
• OSTI ID: 1066016
• Journal Information: Polym. Chem., Journal Name: Polym. Chem. Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 3; ISSN 1759-9954; ISSN PCOHC2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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