CHROMIC EFFECTS IN POLY(3-(10-HEXANOYLOXYDECYL)-2,5-THIENYLENE) AS PRECURSOR OF OMEGA-HYDROXYDECYL-FUNCTIONALIZED POLYTHIOPHENE

The preparation of a hexanoyloxydecyl 3-substituted polythiophene and its conversion to the corresponding hydroxydecyl polymer, soluble in c ommon organic solvents, is described. Solvatochromic and thermochromic effects of the two polymers were investigated by UV-vis spectroscopy in pure solvent and in solvent/nonsolvent solutions. A very different response was found depending on the type of functional group. The carb oxylate polymer requires synergy of both nonsolvent and low temperatur e for a strong chromic effect comparable to that of the hydroxy polyme r to be observed. A possible explanation of this behavior is discussed . (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.