Conjugated polymers find application in light emitting diodes, solar cells and transistors. Through the formation of copolymers with non-conjugated polymers their solubility, crystallization behavior and morphology can be tailored which in turn influences their optical and electronic properties. However, the synthesis of conjugated rod-coil copolymers is still a challenging task and relies on multi-step synthetic procedures.<br/>Here, we report on the straightforward synthesis of conjugated rod-coil copolymers (block and comb copolymers) by combining controlled Suzuki-Miyaura cross coupling polymerization and ATRP. First, heterodifunctional conjugated polymers with narrow molecular weight distributions are synthesized. In this process, one functional group is introduced by a Pd(II) initiator and the other chain end is functionalized by quenching the polymerization with an arylboronic acid ester as endcapper. The double functionalization of the conjugated polymer is quantitative, as evidenced by NMR spectroscopy and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Conjugated polymers bearing an alkylbromide as one endgroup are directly used as macroinitiator in an ATRP (route a). Thereby, block copolymers of polyfluorene and several olefins are produced. Conjugated polymers bearing a radically polymerizable endgroup are copolymerized with various olefins generating novel combpolymers (route b). The formation of copolymers is concluded from NMR spectroscopy, GPC measurements and DOSY NMR spectroscopy.<br/>One advantage of the method used, is that the conjugated part still bears a second arbitrary functional group which could be used for example to tether the polymer to a surface.

Combining controlled Suzuki-Miyaura cross coupling polymerization and controlled radical polymerization for the synthesis of conjugated rod-coil copolymers

2019 Fall National Meeting

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