A simple method for preparing organosoluble precursors of poly[(2,5-dimethoxy-1,4-phenylene)vinylene] and comparison with other methods

Abstract

A new and simple method for the synthesis of organosoluble precursors of poly(2,5-dimethoxy-1,4-phenylene)vinylene (PDMOPV) without using an ion-exchange reaction was developed. This method consists of the polymerization of the monomer's disulfonium salt in methanol using a quaternary base as catalyst without reaction with sodium 4-toluenesulfonate in the middle stage. In comparison with three other methods, including the Momii method, it seems more simple in procedure, gives higher yield, higher molecular weight, lower polydispersity and higher quality of the precursors. The precursors obtained by different methods were characterized by IR, UV-Vis, 'H NMR, DSC and TGA. The optimum conditions for the thermal treatment of the precursor were studied. The photoluminescence and conductivity of the PDMOPVs obtained by thermal elimination of precursors achieved by different methods were compared. The precursor obtained by the simple method using a quaternary base as catalyst showed better photoluminescent properties and higher electrical conductivity after thermal elimination.