Impact of Pendant 1,2,3-Triazole on the Synthesis and Properties of Thiophene-Based Polymers

Abstract

π-Conjugated moieties are often attached to conjugated polymers to systematically alter their electronic properties. Herein, we report the synthesis and properties of a thiophene polymer bearing a triazole moiety in the third position. Through NMR-based quenching studies, we show that the placement of the triazole moiety alters reaction pathway of the Ni(0)-mediated Grignard metathesis polymerization possibly through chelation. When compared with a triazole on the main chain, the pendant triazole moiety acts as an electron donor and lowers the band gap of the polymer. The triazole moiety also does not hinder the packing of the conjugated backbone. We also show that the fluorescence of this polymer is quenched with PCBM, indicating its potential as a candidate for organic photovoltaic devices.