Sandwich complex-containing macromolecules: Property tunability through versatile synthesis

Abstract

Sandwich complexes feature unique properties as the physical and electronic properties of a hydrocarbon ligand or its derivative are integrated into the physical, electronic, magnetic, and optical properties of a metal. Incorporation of these complexes into macromolecules results in intriguing physical, electrical, and optical properties that were hitherto unknown in organic-based macromolecules. These properties are tunable through well-designed synthetic strategies. This review surveys many of the synthetic approaches that have resulted in tuning the properties of sandwich complex-containing macromolecules. While the past two decades have seen an ever-growing number of research publications in this field, gaps remain to be filled. Thus, we expect this review to stimulate research interest towards bridging these gaps, which include the insolubility of some of these macromolecules as well as expanding the scope of the sandwich complexes. Sandwich complexes-containing polymers are attractive complements of organic-based polymers as the former feature intriguing properties. These include excellent thermal stability, redox activity, magnetic, electrical, and optical properties. This review surveys many of the synthetic approaches that have resulted in tuning the properties of sandwich complex-containing macromolecules. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.