New ferrocene‐containing copolyesters

Abstract

Abstract We have synthesized four new ferrocene monomers (three diols and one diester). The redox potential of these ferrocene derivatives varies between 0 mV and 230 mV due to different degrees of ring alkylation. Amorphous and liquid crystalline copolyesters were prepared with these monomers in the polymer main chain. Cyclovoltammetric measurements show that the redox potential of the ferrocene units is increased by about 40 mV upon polymer formation (esterification). Since the ester group is 4 to 6 σ‐bonds away from the ferrocene unit this increase is probably caused by some charge‐transfer interaction through space. First rheological measurements show an unusual rubber‐like behaviour of the ferrocene‐containing copolyesters.