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Synthesis of Ladder Polymers: Developments, Challenges, and Opportunities
Yew Chin Teo1, Holden W H Lai1, Yan Xia1
1Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
Chemistry (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|August 16, 2017
Summary
Rigid ladder polymers, with fused ring backbones, offer unique properties for advanced materials like membranes and electronics. This review covers their synthesis, challenges, and future potential.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Ladder polymers feature fused rings in their backbones, restricting bond rotations and imparting unique properties.
- These rigid structures are of fundamental interest and technical importance for advanced material applications.
- Applications include membrane gas separation and organic electronics due to their unique characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of rigid ladder polymers.
- To discuss historical development and synthetic strategies.
- To highlight challenges and future opportunities in the field.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical development of ladder polymer synthesis.
- Classification of synthesis strategies into direct polymerization and precursor zipping.
- Discussion of challenges in synthesis and characterization.
Main Results:
- Ladder polymers can be conjugated (planar) or non-conjugated (kinked).
- Two primary synthesis strategies exist: direct ladder polymerization and zipping of linear precursors.
- Challenges in synthesis and characterization are significant but offer opportunities.
Conclusions:
- Rigid ladder polymers possess unique properties making them valuable for advanced applications.
- Continued research into synthesis and characterization is crucial for unlocking their full potential.
- Future outlooks suggest significant opportunities for innovation in this field.
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