Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 22, 2025

Controlled Photoredox Ring-Opening Polymerization of O-Carboxyanhydrides Mediated by Ni/Zn Complexes
Published on: November 21, 2017
Controlled Synthesis of an Alternating Donor-Acceptor Conjugated Polymer via Kumada Catalyst-Transfer
Alexander D Todd1, Christopher W Bielawski2,3
1Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States.
Abstract:
Kumada catalyst-transfer polycondensation was used to synthesize poly(5,6-difluorobenzotriazole-alt-4-hexylthiophene) (PFBTzHT), an alternating donor-acceptor conjugated polymer, in a controlled manner. Through a series of kinetic studies, a linear relationship between the monomer conversion and the molecular weight of the resulting polymer was observed while maintaining narrow polydispersities (Đs ≤ 1.4). Moreover, the Mn displayed a linear relationship with the initial monomer-to-catalyst feed ratio, and polymers with Mns up to 25 kDa were successfully synthesized. All-conjugated block copolymers containing segments of PFBTzHT and poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) were also obtained in various compositions (30-70% P3HT) via sequential monomer addition in a single vessel.
Related Concept Videos
Ziegler–Natta Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview
Cationic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism
Aldol Condensation with β-Diesters: Knoevenagel Condensation
Olefin Metathesis Polymerization: Acyclic Diene Metathesis (ADMET)
Similar to cross-metathesis, ADMET also involves the formation of metallacyclobutane intermediate by [2+2] cycloaddition of one of the double bonds of a terminal diene with...
Step-Growth Polymerization: Overview
Many natural and synthetic polymers are produced by...
[4+2] Cycloaddition of Conjugated Dienes: Diels–Alder Reaction

