Synlett 2015; 26(04): 449-460
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1378907
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© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Poly(3,4-alkylenedioxyselenophene)s: Past, Present, and Future

Atilla Cihaner*
Atilim Optoelectronic Materials and Solar Energy Laboratory (ATOMSEL), Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, Atilim University, 06836 Ankara, Turkey   Email: atilla.cihaner@atilim.edu.tr
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Further Information

Publication History

Received: 15 August 2014

Accepted after Revision: 30 September 2014

Publication Date:
08 January 2015 (online)


Abstract

Because of their optical and electronic properties, polythiophenes and their derivatives, especially poly(3,4-alkylenedioxythiophene)s, are among the most promising materials in the field of electrochromic polymers. The properties of these polymers can be tuned by replacing the sulfur atom of the thiophene moiety with a selenium atom, because selenium has a lower electronegativity, a higher metallic character, a larger atomic size, and greater polarizability than sulfur. This approach has opened the door to a new and vibrant class of conjugated polymers. Today 3,4-alkylenedioxyselenophenes are thought as powerful competitors to 3,4-alkylenedioxythiophenes. Here, an overview is presented of poly(3,4-alkylenedioxyselenophene)s, as one of the most attractive groups of conjugated polymers. The design, synthesis, and applications of poly(3,4-alkylenedioxyselenophene)s and their derivatives are discussed in detail and compared with the corresponding features of their thiophene analogues. The electrochemical and electrochromic properties and band gaps of poly(3,4-alkylenedioxyselenophene)s are also discussed in relation to their chemical structures.

1 Introduction

2 Polyselenophenes

3 Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxyselenophene)s

4 Poly(3,4-propylenedioxyselenophene)s

5 Conclusions