Electronically Governed ROMP: Expanding Sequence Control for Donor–Acceptor Conjugated Polymers

Abstract

Controlling the primary sequence of synthetic polymers remains a grand challenge in chemistry. A variety of methods that exert control over monomer sequence have been realized wherein differential reactivity, pre-organization, and stimuli-response have been key factors in programming sequence. Whereas much has been established in nonconjugated systems, π-extended frameworks remain systems wherein subtle structural changes influence bulk properties. The recent introduction of electronically biased ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) extends the repertoire of feasible approaches to prescribe donor–acceptor sequences in conjugated polymers, by enabling a system to achieve both low dispersity and controlled polymer sequences. Herein, we discuss recent advances in obtaining well-defined (i.e., low dispersity) polymers featuring donor–acceptor sequence control, and present our design of an electronically ambiguous (4-methoxy-1-(2-ethylhexyloxy) and benzothiadiazole-(donor–acceptor-)based [2.2]paracyclophanediene monomer that undergoes electronically dictated ROMP. The resultant donor–acceptor polymers were well-defined (Đ = 1.2, M_n > 20 k) and exhibited lower energy excitation and emission in comparison to ‘sequence-ill-defined’ polymers. Electronically driven ROMP expands on prior synthetic methods to attain sequence control, while providing a promising platform for further interrogation of polymer sequence and resultant properties.

1 Introduction to Sequence Control

2 Sequence Control in Polymers

3 Multistep-Synthesis-Driven Sequence Control

4 Catalyst-Dictated Sequence Control

5 Electronically Governed Sequence Control

6 Conclusions

Key words

ring-opening metathesis polymerization - organic synthesis - sequence controlled - polymer chemistry - conjugated polymers - para­cyclophane - donor–acceptor

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