Cellulose derivatives carrying triphenylamine (TPA) moieties: synthesis and electro-optical properties

A novel ethyl cellulose derivative [poly(1)] that carries triphenylamine moieties is synthesized with a moderate number-average molecular weight up to 78,200 in 85% yield by the reaction of 4-(diphenylamino)benzoic acid with the residual hydroxy group of ethyl cellulose. Poly(1) is soluble in common organic solvents including toluene, CHCl3, CH2Cl2, and tetrahydrofuran while insoluble in hexane, diethyl ether, and methanol. The polymer emits blue-green fluorescence with quantum yields up to 65% in CHCl3 and displays unique solvatochromism. The cyclic voltammograms of poly(1) indicate that the polymer carrying TPA moieties is electrochemically redox active. The onset temperature of weight loss of the poly(1) is about 177 degrees C according to thermogravimetric analysis in air.