Soluble polydiacetylenes: molecular properties and solid state organization

The solution properties of a novel soluble polydiacetylene, poly[1,6-bis(3, 6-dihexadecyl-N-carbazolyl)-2,4-hexadiyne] (polyDCHD-HS), have been investi gated by use of spectroscopic (UV-VIS absorption, fluorescence and FT-Raman ) and light scattering techniques in benzene and toluene, The unique spectr oscopic and molecular properties of these solutions are reported and discus sed in relation to the particular interactions of the polymer substituents with aromatic solvents. The introduction of the long alkyl-substituents on the carbazolyl side groups not only improves the processability relative to the parent unsubstituted polymer but also suppresses the chromic effects o bserved in other soluble polydiacetylenes. The side groups are also respons ible for the peculiar supramolecular organization observed in the powder ph ase of the red form. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.