Optical Properties of a Novel Carbon-Carbon Chain Polymer with Pendent Poly(thiophene)s

Authors

Rajive K. Khanna, University of Southern Mississippi
Hong Cui, University of Southern Mississippi

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-6-1993

Department

Chemistry and Biochemistry

School

Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Abstract

The synthesis of a novel soluble carbon—carbon chain polymer with pendent terthiophene groups, poly (5-vinyl-2,2':5',2" ‐terthiophene) (PVT), is described. The solvent-cast thing films of PVT display strong blue‐green photoluminescence and, thus, PVT is expected to show electroluminescence in this region. The terthiophene side chains in PVT cross-link when the polymer is oxidized in solution or as thin films with FeCl₃ or SbCl₅. Based on model studies we have proposed that terthiophene radical cations, initially generated upon doping, slowly couple with neighboring neutral species to yield the radical cations of sexithiophene. The neutralization of the doped polymer with triethylamine yielded an insoluble, cross-linked material. The UV irraditation of thin films of PVT results in cross-linking and insolubilization of the polymer. The mechanism of the photoinitiated cross-linking reaction is discussed.

Publication Title

Macromolecules

Volume

26

Issue

25

First Page

7076

Last Page

7078

Recommended Citation

Khanna, R. K., Cui, H. (1993). Optical Properties of a Novel Carbon-Carbon Chain Polymer with Pendent Poly(thiophene)s. Macromolecules, 26(25), 7076-7078.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/6701