NEW METHODS OF C-C AND C-O BOND FORMATION IN THE SYNTHESIS OF CONJUGATED POLYMERS

New synthetic developments towards polymers containing aromatic buildi ng blocks in the polymer backbone are described. The synthesis of poly phenylene-related systems with an improved solubility due to their alk yl substitution is discussed. Via bridging of the phenylene rings a tw isting of the aromatic subunits is avoided and the conjugation improve d. This concept is extended to ribbon-type polymers containing 6- or 6 - and 5- membered rings. It is demonstrated that during a polycondensa tion process anthracene can be incorporated into various polymers via C-O bond formation as well as via C-C connection. Cycloaddition reacti ons are presented, allowing for modification and grafting of these pol ymers. Additionally, the use of anthracene derivatives as initiators i n homo and block copolymerisation is shown.