Synthesis and functionalization of Poly[5,5′-(silylene)-2,2′-dithienylene]s using silyl triflate intermediates†

Abstract

Treatment of 5,5′-dilithio-2,2′-dithiophene with (dimethylamino)methylsily bis(triflate)- or α, ω-bis(triflate)-substituted trisilanes gave poly[5,5′-(silylene)-2,2′-dithienylene]s in high yields. The amino–silyl bond was cleaved selectively by triflic acid, leading to triflate-substituted derivatives. Conversion of these compounds with nucleophiles gave other functionalized polymers. Platinum-catalyzed hydrosilylation reactions between silicon–vinyl and silicon–hydrogen derivatives result in polymer networks which may serve as interesting preceramic materials. The structures of the polymers were proven by NMR spectroscopy (29Si, 13C, 1H). Results of thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), UV spectrometry and conductivity measurements are given. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.