Synthesis and properties of conjugated copolymers having a tricarbonyl(arene)chromium and thiophene units in the main chain

Summary Palladium-catalyzed polymerization of η ⁶-(1,4-diethynylbenzene)tricarbonyl chromium (1) with 3-alkyl-2,5-dibromothiophene (2a-c) was carried out to give the corresponding alternating conjugated copolymers (5a-c) in good yields. The structures of the polymers were supported by ¹H NMR and IR spectra. The polymers obtained were soluble in common solvents such as THF, CH₂Cl₂, CHCl₃ and toluene. The molecular weights of the polymers were determined by GPC. Their thermal, optical and electrical properties were investigated in detail. Received: 18 March 2002 /Accepted: 1 April 2002