π-Conjugated polymers consisting of isothianaphthene and dialkoxy-p-phenylene units: Synthesis, self-assembly, and chemical and physical properties

Abstract

A series of π-conjugated alternating copolymers consisting of Th-ITN-Th and p-C6H2(OR)2 units were synthesized. XRD indicated that the copolymers assume an interdigitation packing mode, and UV-Vis spectra revealed a strong tendency for self-assembly. Upon molecular assembly of the copolymer, the UV-Vis absorption shifted by about 100nm to a longer wavelength from that of the single molecule. The copolymers underwent electrochemical oxidation (or p-doping) and reduction (or n-doping) at 0.2 and -2.0V versus Ag+/Ag, respectively. A p-doped copolymer film showed an electrical conductivity of 182 S ·cm-1, and the temperature dependence of electrical conductivity was measured. The copolymer showed piezochromism and served as a p-channel material for a field-effect transistor. © 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.