Synthesis and properties of polyacetylenes carrying N-phenylcarbazole and triphenylamine moieties

Novel acetylene monomers containing N-phenyl-substituted carbazole (Cz) and triphenylamine (TPA) groups, namely, 3-ethynyl-9-phenylcarbazole (1) and p-(N,N-diphenylamino)phenylacetylene (2) were synthesized, and polymerized with several Rh-, W-, and Mo-based catalysts. Poly(1) and poly(2) with high number-average molecular weights (15?500-974?000) were obtained in good yields (77-97%), when [(nbd)RhCl]₂-Et₃N (nbd = norbornadiene) was used as a catalyst. The polymers exhibited UV-vis absorption peaks derived from the Cz and TPA moieties at 250-350 nm and polyacetylene backbone above 350 nm. The UV-vis absorption band edge wavelengths of the polymers were longer than those of the corresponding monomers. Poly(2) exhibited a UV-vis absorption peak at a longer wavelength than poly(1) did, which indicates that poly(2) has main chain conjugation longer than that of poly(1). The molecular weights and photoluminescence quantum yields of the polymers obtained by the polymerization using [(nbd)RhCl]₂-Et₃N were larger than those of the Rh⁺(nbd)[η⁶-C₆H₅B⁻(C₆H₅)₃]-based counterparts. The cyclic voltammograms of the polymers indicated that they had clear electrochemical properties; the onset oxidation voltage of poly(1) was higher than those of N-alkyl-substituted Cz derivatives. The polymers showed electrochromism and changed the color from pale yellow to blue by application of voltage, presumably caused by the formation of charged polaron at the Cz and TPA moieties. The temperatures for 5% weight loss of the polymers were around 350-420 °C under air, indicating the high thermal stability.     

Synthesis and properties of helical polyacetylenes containing carbazole

Novel acetylene monomers containing carbazole with chiral menthyl and bornyl groups, 9-(1R,2S,5R)-menthyloxycarbonyl-2-ethynylcarbazole (1), 9-(1S,2R,5S)-menthyloxycarbonyl-2-ethynylcarbazole (2), 9-(1R,2S,5R)-menthyloxycarbonyl-3-ethynylcarbazole (3) and 9-(1S)-bornyloxycarbonyl-2-ethynylcarbazole (4) were synthesized and polymerized with a Rh catalyst to give the corresponding polymers [poly(1)-poly(4)] with moderate M_n value of (11.5-92.2) × 10³ in good yields (77-89%). CD spectroscopic studies revealed that poly(1), poly(2) and poly(4) took predominantly one-handed helical structure in CHCl₃, THF, toluene, and CH₂Cl₂, while poly(3) did not. Addition of methanol to CHCl₃ solutions of poly(1) and poly(2) resulted in the formation of aggregates showing smaller CD signals at 275 and 320 nm. The helical structure of poly(1) and poly(2) was very stable against heating. The polymers emitted fluorescence in 0.40-2.90% quantum yields. Poly(4) exhibited an obvious oxidation peak at 1.10 V. The polymers were thermally stable below 300 °C.     

DNA-lipid complexes carrying carbazole and triphenylamine moieties: Synthesis, and chiroptical and photoelectronic properties

Novel DNA-lipid complexes carrying carbazole and triphenylamine moieties were prepared by substituting the sodium counter cation with cationic amphiphilic lipids, namely lipid(Cz) and lipid(TPA), in which the actual mole ratios of phosphate to lipid were 1:1.10 and 1:0.83, respectively. The DNA-lipid(Cz) and DNA-lipid(TPA) complexes were soluble in common organic solvents including CHCl₃, CH₂Cl₂, methanol and ethanol, while insoluble in THF, toluene, and aqueous solutions. CD spectroscopy revealed that the DNA-lipid complexes took a predominantly double helical structure in CHCl₃ and methanol and that the helical structure was fairly stable against heating. Solutions of DNA-lipid(Cz) and DNA-lipid(TPA) complexes emitted fluorescence in 5.7 and 76.4% quantum yields, which were higher than those of the corresponding lipid(Cz) and lipid(TPA) (4.4 and 55.3%). The cyclic voltammograms of the complexes indicated that the oxidation potentials of DNA-lipid(Cz) and DNA-lipid(TPA) were 0.95 and 0.85 V, respectively. The onset temperatures of weight loss of the DNA-lipid complexes were both 220 °C according to TGA in air.     

Synthesis and properties of polyacetylenes containing carbazolylmethyl groups

Novel acetylene monomers containing carbazolymethyl groups, 3,5-bis[(3,6-di-t-butyl)carbazolylmethyl]-1-ethynylbenzene (1), 3-(3,6-di-t-butyl)carbazolylmethyl-1-ethynylbenzene (2), and 4-(3,6-di-t-butyl)carbazolylmethyl-1-ethynylbenzene (3) were synthesized, and polymerized with [(nbd)RhCl]₂-Et₃N, Rh⁺(nbd)[η⁶-C₆H₅B⁻(C₆H₅)₃], and WCl₆-n-Bu₄Sn catalysts. The corresponding polyacetylenes with number-average molecular weights ranging from 1600 to 115,000 were obtained in 18%-quantitative yields. The UV-vis absorption band edge wavelengths of the polymers obtained with W catalyst were longer than those of the Rh-based polymers. The photoluminescence quantum yields of the W-based polymers were 1.1-3.1%, while those of the Rh-based ones were 0.18-4.1%.     

Synthesis and ion responsiveness of optically active polyacetylenes containing salicylidene Schiff-base moieties

Acetylenic monomers containing salicylidene Schiff-base groups (1a and 1b) as well as Schiff-base and hydroxy groups (1c) were synthesized and polymerized with [(nbd)RhCl]₂/Et₃N catalyst to afford the corresponding polymers 2a–c with high molecular weights (M_n = 2.6–7.2 × 10⁵) in high yields (75–97%). Polarimetric, circular dichroism (CD), and UV–vis spectroscopic analyses indicated that the polymers formed helical structures with a predominantly one-handed screw sense. The addition of metal ions to salicylidene Schiff-base-containing polymers 2a and 2b produced insoluble polymer/metal complexes through ionic cross-linking as a result of salicylaldimine–metal ion complexation. Polymers 2b and 2c underwent a helix–coil transition upon the addition of HSO₄⁻, whereas these polymers did not exhibit responsiveness to other anions, such as F⁻, Cl⁻, and Br⁻.     

Synthesis and properties of polyacetylenes having pendent phenylethynylcarbazolyl groups

Novel acetylene monomers substituted with phenylethynylcarbazolyl groups, 3-[(4-octylphenyl)ethynyl]-9-propargylcarbazole (1), 3,6-bis[(4-octylphenyl)ethynyl]-9-propargylcarbazole (2), 9-(4-ethynylphenyl)-3-[(4-octylphenyl)ethynyl]carbazole (3), and 9-(4-ethynylphenyl)-3,6-bis[(4-octylphenyl)ethynyl]carbazole (4) were synthesized, and polymerized with Rh⁺(nbd)[η⁶-C₆H₅B⁻(C₆H₅)₃] and WCl₆-n-Bu₄Sn catalysts. The corresponding polyacetylenes with number-average molecular weights ranging from 9200 to 94?000 were obtained in 20-98% yields. The IR spectra of the polymers revealed that acetylene polymerization took place at the terminal ethynyl group, while the ethynylene group remained intact. The UV-vis absorption band edge wavelengths of W-based poly(3) and poly(4) were longer than those of the other polymers. W-Based poly(4) emitted fluorescence with the highest quantum yield (41%). Poly(1) exhibited excimer-based fluorescence in dilute solution.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Polyacetylene with Side-chain Thiophene Functionality

A new polyacetylene derivative with electroactive thiophene substituent, namely poly(2-methylbut-2-enyl thiophene-3-carboxylate) was synthesized and characterized. For this purpose, novel acetylene monomer was synthesized by the reaction of 3-thiophenecarboxylic acid with propargyl bromide and polymerized with a Rh catalyst to give the corresponding polymer. The chemical structure of the polymer was characterized to comprise the conjugated backbone and electroactive thiophene side group. UV spectral changes of the polymer with temperature were also studied. The polymer exhibited better thermal stability than the unsubstituted polyacetylenes.     

Synthesis and characterization of fluorene-carbazole and fluorene-phenothiazine copolymers with carbazole and oxadiazole pendants for organic light emitting diodes

We report the synthesis and characterization of new series of the fluorene based polymers with carbazole and oxadiazole pendants for the generation of the white emission out of the EL device. In the fluorene backbone, hole transporting units such as carbazole or phenothiazine were incorporated to improve the EL brightness and efficiency. The PFCzOxd-co-PCzs and PFCzOxd-co-PPTZs in EL spectra showed maximum peaks at around 430 nm and additional large peaks at around 530 and 500 nm, respectively. In case of PFCzOxd-alt-PCz and PFCzCzPCz-co-PFOxdOxdPCz, the EL spectra of the polymers showed two distinct peaks comprising the maximum at 427 nm, which corresponds to the EL spectra of the conjugated backbone, and additional broad peaks at around 540 and 530 nm, respectively. The CIE coordinates of the devices from PFCzOxd-alt-PCz and PFCzCzPCz-co-PFOxdOxdPCz were (0.28, 0.33) and (0.25, 0.32), respectively, approaching the value of the standard white of National Television System Committee (NTSC) (0.33, 0.33).     

Synthesis and properties of optically active substituted polyacetylenes having carboxyl and/or amino groups

Polyacetylenes having carboxyl and/or amino groups in the side chain were synthesized by the polymerization of N-(2-propynyloxycarbonyl)-l-alanine (1) and l-alanine N-propargylamide (2) catalyzed with a rhodium cation complex. Poly(1_0.5-co-2_0.5) exhibited a larger CD signal than the homopolymers. The polymer mixtures obtained by the polymerization of 1 in the presence of poly(2), and those obtained by the polymerization of 2 in the presence of poly(1) showed specific rotations larger than calculated. The polymerization of propargylamine in the presence of poly(1) did not exhibit significant effect, while the polymer mixtures obtained by the polymerization of propiolic acid in the presence of poly(2) exhibited [α]_D of positive sign, although poly(2) alone exhibited [α]_D of negative sign.     

Synthesis and properties of carbazole-based hyperbranched conjugated polymers

Carbazole-based novel hyperbranched conjugated polymers linked with triphenylamine and benzene moieties were synthesized by Sonogashira coupling polycondensation of N-octadecyl- and N-octyl-3,6-diethynylcarbazoles with tris(4-iodophenyl)amine and 1,3,5-tribromobenzene. Solvent-soluble polymers with number-average molecular weights in the range of 3500-21,000 were obtained in 48-66% yields. The UV-vis absorption bands of the polymers were red-shifted compared to that of carbazole, indicating the extension of conjugation length. The polymers emitted blue-green fluorescence with high quantum yields up to 67% in CHCl₃. Poly(1/3) containing triphenylamine units emits visible light and shows unique solvatochromism. The polymers were electrochemically redox-active.     

Synthesis and luminescent properties of perylene bisimide-cored dendrimers with carbazole surface groups

A group of perylene bisimide (PBI) cored dendrimers were designed and synthesized. The polyphenylene dendrons containing carbazole functional groups at periphery were attached to the PBI core with expectation to control the intermolecular interaction and to tune the charge transporting ability of dendrimers. Their photophysical, electrochemical and thermal properties were investigated. The spectral data showed that energy transfer and photoinduced charge transfer coexist between the carbazole peripheries and the PBI core, competing to influence the luminescent properties of these dendrimers. The red OLEDs were fabricated with these dendrimers as non-doped emitting layer by solution method. The dendrimers bearing carbazoles exhibited improved EL performance than those model compounds. The improved charge balance state caused by these carbazole units is suggested to be responsible for the EL performance.     

Synthesis and properties of pyrene-functionalized polyacetylene. A stable helical polymer emitting fluorescence

Pyrene-functionalized chiral N-propargylamide, (R)-HC≡CCH₂NHCOCH(CH₃)O-1,4-C₆H₄-OCO(CH₂)₃-1-pyrenyl (1) was polymerized with (nbd)Rh⁺[η⁶-C₆H₅B⁻(C₆H₅)₃] as a catalyst to obtain the corresponding polymer with a moderate weight in a good yield. Poly(1) was soluble in CHCl₃, CH₂Cl₂, and THF. The polarimetric and CD spectroscopic data indicated that poly(1) existed in a helical structure with predominantly one-handed screw sense in these solvents. The helical structure was stable upon heating and addition of MeOH. Poly(1) showed very large excimer-based fluorescence compared with 1.     

Synthesis and photophysical properties of novel organo-soluble polyarylates bearing triphenylamine moieties

Two series of new blue photoluminescent aromatic polyesters (polyarylates) were synthesized from 4,4′-dicarboxytriphenylamine and 4,4′-dicarboxy-4″-methyltriphenylamine with various bisphenols by the diphenylchlorophosphate (DPCP) activated direct polycondensation in a medium of pyridine and lithium chloride. These polymers were amorphous and readily soluble in various common organic solvents including DMAc, THF, and chloroform, and could be cast from their chloroform solutions into transparent films due to their excellent solubility. These polyarylates exhibited moderately high T _g values (186–264 °C) and thermal stability. In THF solution, these triphenylamine-containing polyarylates showed UV-Vis absorption bands at 359–365 nm and photoluminescence peaks around 427–451 nm in the blue region. Figure Two series of new blue photoluminescent aromatic polyesters (polyarylates) were synthesized from 4,4’-dicarboxytriphenylamine and 4,4’-dicarboxy-4”-methyltriphenylamine with various bisphenols by the diphenylchlorophosphate (DPCP) activated direct polycondensation in a medium of pyridine and lithium chloride. These polymers were amorphous and readily soluble in various common organic solvents including DMAc, THF, and chloroform, and could be cast from their chloroform solutions into transparent films due to their excellent solubility. These polyarylates exhibited moderately high Tg values (186-264 oC) and thermal stability. All the PL spectra of these polymers showed a blue shift when the solvent was changed from NMP to THF or chloroform. Solvation should increase the interaction between polymer chain and solvent, which may consume certain excitation energy and lead to increase on the emission wavelength.     

Synthesis and fluorescence properties of star‐shaped polymers carrying two fluorescent moieties

A well‐defined fluorescent star‐shaped polymer containing two different fluorescent functionalities one in the main chain and another in the end group was designed and synthesized by combining atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and azide‐alkyne click reaction. The star polymer with four arms was prepared from copolymerization of methyl methacrylate and 4‐(2‐(9‐anthryl))‐vinyl‐styrene using ATRP. Subsequently the end group was modified with another fluorescent moiety by click coupling. The structure of all the intermediate and final products was established through NMR spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, UV?visible spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy. The novel hybrid polymer exhibits an attractive high fluorescence at 494 nm and over a broad range which was a combination of both the fluorescence moieties. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry     

Synthesis and properties of ornithine- and lysine-based poly(N-propargylamides). Responsiveness of the helical structure to acids

Ornithine- and lysine-based novel N-propargylamides, N-α-tert-butoxycarbonyl-N-δ-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl-l-ornithine-N′-propargylamide (1), N-α-tert-butoxycarbonyl-N-?-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl-l-lysine-N′-propargylamide (2), N-α-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl-N-δ-tert-butoxycarbonyl-l-ornithine-N′-propargylamide (3), and N-α-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl-N-?-tert-butoxycarbonyl-l-lysine-N′-propargylamide (4) were synthesized and polymerized with a rhodium catalyst. Polymers with moderate molecular weights were obtained in good yields. Poly(1)-poly(4) showed strong Cotton effects in THF, whose sign and wavelength depended on the substituents. They were satisfactorily converted into the corresponding polymers [poly(1a)-poly(4a)] with free amino groups. Poly(1a) and poly(2a) also formed a helix, while poly(3a) and poly(4a) did not. Poly(1a) and poly(2a) decreased the CD intensity by the addition of m- and o-phthalic acids.     

Synthesis and characterization of thermally curable polyacetylenes by polymerization of propargyl benzoxazine using rhodium catalyst

A novel acetylene monomer containing benzoxazine group was synthesized and polymerized with [(norbornadiene)rhodium(I) chloride]₂ ([(nbd)RhCl]₂) to give the corresponding polymer. The effect of triethylamine as co-catalyst in the polymerization was investigated. The spectral and thermal analyses confirmed the presence of benzoxazine functionality in the resulting polymer. It is shown that polyacetylene containing benzoxazine side groups undergoes irreversible cis–trans isomerization and thermally activated curing in the absence of any catalyst forming polyacetylene thermoset with high thermal stability.     

A novel donor-acceptor polymeric electrochromic material containing carbazole and 1,8-naphtalimide as subunit

We report here the synthesis of a novel polymeric electrochromic material containing carbazole (Cbz)-donor and 1,8-napthalimide-acceptor as subunit. The band gap E_g was measured using UV-vis spectroscopy and compared with that obtained by cyclic voltammetry (CV). Due to intramolecular electron transfer from Cbz-donor to 1,8-napthalimide-acceptor, the fluorescence quenching was observed. When the spectro-electrochemical and electrochromic properties of polymer film were investigated, various tones of green color were obtained on the polymeric film. In the positive regime, the polymer film obtained thereby is dark green resulting from the association of carbazolylium cation radicals at oxidized state and then it can be bleached by electrochemical reduction. Besides, in the negative regime, yellowish green color of film converted to blue attributed to reduction of the 1,8-napthalimide moiety. Finally, the polymeric electrochromic exhibits multi-electrochromic behavior, high redox stability, high coloration efficiency and reasonable response time.     

Synthesis and electro-optical properties of a new copolymer based on EDOT and carbazole

A new copolymer of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) and 5-(2-ethylhexyl)-1,3-bis(9-methyl-9H-carbazol-3-yl)-5H-thieno[3,4-c]pyrrole-4,6-dione (CzPDICz) was electrochemically synthesized using different monomer feed ratios. The resulting copolymer films were investigated in terms of their electrochemical and electro-optical behaviors. Properties of the obtained copolymer films through different monomer feed ratios were compared to each other and to individual poly(ethylenedioxythiophene; PEDOT) and homopolymer of CzPDICz in order to observe the differences in the properties with respect to PEDOT and P(CzPDICz). Copolymers exhibited well adherence on the electrode surface with having non-diffusional redox process. The monomer feed ratios were prepared as 9:1; 4:1, and 1:1 (EDOT:CzPDICz) and changes in the electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical behavior were noted with increasing CzPDICz ratio in the monomer mixture. Although no appreciable change in the optical band gap values of the copolymers was noted as compared to PEDOT, the neutral blue copolymers exhibited grayish color in their semi-oxidized states and transparent green in their fully oxidized states.     

Synthesis and photovoltaic properties of two-dimensional conjugated polythiophene derivatives presenting conjugated triphenylamine/thiophene moieties

In this study we synthesized three two-dimensional (2-D) polythiophene derivatives (PTs), namely PTBPTPA, PTStTPA, and PTCNStTPA, featuring three different conjugated units—biphenyl (BP), stilbene (St), and cyanostilbene (CNSt), respectively—in the polymer backbones and presenting conjugated triphenylamine/thiophene (TPATh) moieties on the side chains. In addition, we also synthesized three conjugated BP-, St-, and CNSt-based main-chain-type conjugated polymers (PTBP, PTSt, and PTCNSt, respectively). Incorporating the St and CNSt moieties into the polymer backbones and appending TPATh units induced high degrees of intramolecular charge transfer within the conjugated frameworks of the polymers, thereby resulting in lower band gap energies and red-shifting of the maximal UV–Vis absorption wavelengths. Moreover, the energy levels of the highest occupied molecular orbitals of the BP-, St-, and CNSt-based main-chain-type and 2-D PTs were lower than that of P3HT, implying that they would be applicable for the preparation of polymer solar cells (PSC) with greater open-circuit voltages. The photovoltaic performances of PSCs fabricated from blends of the 2-D PTs and the fullerene derivative PC₆₁BM were superior to those of PSCs based on the main-chain-type polymer/PC₆₁BM blends.