Incorporation of Different End Groups in Conjugated Polymers Using Functional Nickel Initiators

Abstract

This manuscript investigates the use of arylnickel complexes for the synthesis of functionalized conjugated polymers is. The scope of the catalyst-transfer polycondensation of poly(3-alkylthiophene) using nickel was expanded by functionalizing and isolating the nickel initiator. o-Methyl substituted arylnickel complexes were isolated and used to initiate the polymerization of various substituted poly(thiophene)s and poly(p-phenylene). Finally, the living nature of the polymerization of poly(3-alkylthiophene) was exploited to prepare a polymer with two different end-groups – one arising from the Ni-initiator and one from the end-capper.