The thermochromic and solvatochromic properties of a series of polyphenylen
es and polyfluorenes have been investigated experimentally and theoreticall
y. For instance, poly[1,4-(2,5-dioctyloxyphenylene)-2,5-thiopene], poly[1,4
-(2,5-dioctylphenylenef-2,5-furan] have revealed interesting chromic effect
s which, on the basis of calculations on dimer model compounds, seem to be
related to a rather flexible backbone with an energy barrier against planar
ity of < 1.3 kcal/mol. However, in the absence of sterically demanding side
chains (e.g. poly[1,4-(2,5-dioctyloxyphenylene)-2,5-furan) ], the conjugat
ed polymer can maintain a highly conjugated (co-planar or nearly co-planar)
conformation, even at high temperatures or in dilute solutions. Also, as o
bserved with poly[1,4-(2,5-dioctylphenylene)-2,5-thiophene], if the steric
interactions are too strong, no co-planar conformation can be adopted upon
cooling or aggregation. Finally, a comparative table shows the minimum ener
gy angle and energy barrier against planarity of various repeat units which
could help in the rational design of chromic polymers.