A Novel Synthesis Strategy for Poly(Arylene-Vinylene) Derivatives by Elemental Sulfur-Mediated Polyolefination

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Organic Synthesis

Background:

• Poly(arylene-1,2-diarylvinylene) (PAV-DA) derivatives exhibit aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties.
• AIE materials are valuable for solid-state optoelectronics due to high photoluminescence quantum yields.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel and efficient synthetic route to PAV-DA derivatives.
• To explore the synthesis of various homopolymers and copolymers with tunable properties.

Main Methods:

• A novel polyolefination reaction using bifunctional N-tosylhydrazones and base-activated elemental sulfur.
• Synthesis of eight homopolymers and two copolymers with diverse arylene backbones and aryl side chains.
• Characterization of polymer molecular weights, thermal stability, and photophysical properties.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis of PAV-DA derivatives with good yields and molecular weights up to 26.9 kDa.
• Polymers exhibit exceptional thermal stability (degradation up to 541 °C) and high glass transition temperatures (up to 263 °C).
• Demonstrated tunability of polymer properties through copolymerization.

Conclusions:

• The developed synthetic method provides an accessible and cost-effective route to AIE-active PAV-DA polymers.
• The synthesized polymers possess excellent thermal stability and adjustable properties, making them promising for optoelectronic applications.
• Copolymerization offers a versatile strategy for fine-tuning PAV-DA material characteristics.