Direct arylation polymerization: A guide to optimal conditions for effective conjugated polymers

Abstract

The rapid increase in the breadth and scope of transformations that involve metal-promoted activation of C–H bonds is fundamentally changing the field of synthetic chemistry. Direct arylation polymerization is a newly established synthetic protocol for atom economical, effective, and affordable preparation of conjugated polymers, which continue to be incredibly advantageous as operative materials for a diverse and continually evolving array of applications. This route toward conjugated polymers for high performance materials is particularly appealing because it circumvents the preparation of organometallic derivatives and the associated cryogenic air- and water-free reactions. Although a broad range of monomers are now readily polymerizable, direct arylation polymerization is known to produce defects in the chemical structure, which have a strong impact on the optical, electronic, and thermal properties of conjugated polymers. Fundamental understanding of the underlying considerations when employing different reaction protocols is required to truly enable a broad reaching platform.