A convenient synthetic route to poly(p-phenylene-1,2-diphenylvinylenes)

The synthesis and characterization of two soluble poly( p-phenylenevinylene )s substituted with phenyl groups on the vinylene moiety is reported. The p olymers are poly(1,4-phenylene-1,2-diphenylvinylene) (PPV-DP) and poly(1,4- phenylene-1,2-(3'-(2 "-ethylhexyloxy))-diphenylvinylene) (PPV-mEHDP). The m onomers containing chloromethyl groups were polymerized with excess potassi um tert-butoxide in dioxane at room temperature. The polymerization conditi ons are optimized. The photoluminescence (PL) properties of the polymers sh owed an increase in the PL efficiency in film from 19% for PPV-DP to 37% fo r PPV-mEHDP. Both polymers emitted green light with higher intensity in fil m than in solution. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.