Aggregation of polythiophene homopolymer and block copolymer in solution utilizing the characteristics of pyridine at the side chain

Abstract

Poly[3-(50-hexylpyridine-20-yl)thiophene] (P3PT) (Mn5 13900, H-T content590%) was prepared by the regioselective Grignard metathesis reaction and the subsequent Kumada coupling polymerization. Likewise, poly(3-hexylthiophene)-b-poly[3- (50-hexylpyridine-20-yl)thiophene] (P3HT-b-P3PT) (Mn517,300) was synthesized in the one-pot and successive monomer addition protocol, in which the segment ratio was calculated to be 56 (P3HT)/44 (P3PT) base on the 1H NMR spectrum. The absorption and emission spectra of homopolymer P3PT(H), obtained by the protonation of the pyridine nitrogen, in THF/cyclohexane shifted to the longer wavelength as compared with those collected in THF, suggesting the aggregation in poor solvent. The aggregation of P3PT induced by the addition of Sc(OTf)3 could be controlled by the molar ratio of pyridine and scandium complex. The protonated block copolymer P3HT-b-P3PT(H) was also subjected to the aggregate formation. The absorption maximum in THF/CH3OH showed a bathochromic shift and the fluorescence emission was almost quenched. From the 1H NMR spectra and DLS measurements, P3HT-b-P3PT(H) forms nanometer scale aggregates particularly with the insolubility and stacking of non-ionic P3HT in alcohol as the driving force.