Synthesis and characterization of new thianthrene-containing polymers

Since the heterocyclic thianthrene is known to exhibit reversible oxidation behavior in cyclovoltammetric experiments, it may be used as charge transp ort material in electronic devices such as light emitting diodes (LEDs). In order to prepare transparent films for further electrochemical investigati on and the setup of LED devices, new suitable thianthrene monomers were syn thesized. Polymerization of these monomers yields four main-chain polymers with different chemical structure. Special emphasis is given to the prepara tion of poly(thianthrenylenevinylene) via the "precursor" route. All polyme rs exhibit excellent film casting properties and are characterized thorough ly.