Supramolecular Cross-Linking of Thiophenylene Polymers via Multiple Hydrogen Bonds toward High Refractive Index

Abstract

Dihydroxy-substituted poly(phenylene sulfide) (DOHPPS) was synthesized via oxidative polymerization of bis(2,6-dimethoxyphenyl) disulfide and subsequent deprotection. The synergistic effect of multiple-hydrogen-bond cross-links and the rigidity of the thiophenylene backbone afforded dense yet amorphous supramolecular networks, resulting in a polymer with visible transparency and an ultrahigh refractive index (nD = 1.85).