Synthesis and Characterization of Fluorene-Based Conjugated Polymers Containing Thiophene Derivatives in Main Chain.

Three novel alternating copolymers containing 9,9-dioctylfluorene and thiophene derivatives, poly[(9,9-dioctylfluorene-2,7-diyl)-alt-(4,4'-bis(3''-hexyl-2''thienyl)-biphenyl-5”,5''-diyl)] (P1), poly[(9,9-dioctylfluorene-2,7-diyl)-alt-(5,5'-bis(3''-hexyl-2”thienyl)-2,2'-bithiophenyl-5”,5''-diyl)] (P2), and poly[(9,9-dioctylfluorene-2,7-diyl)-alt-(5,5'-bis(3''-hexyl-2''thienyl)-2,2'-biselenophenyl-5”,5''-diyl)] (P3) were synthesized by a palladium-catalyzed Suzuki polymerization. The synthesis, thermal stability, as well as the optical and electrochemical properties of these polymers are systematically investigated. The polymers were thermally stable up to 400°C, and readily soluble in common organic solvent. The absorption and emission maxima of the copolymers varied according to the type of incorporated aromatic group (thiophene, selenophene, or phenylene). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]