A new procedure for the synthesis of π-conjugated polymersvialigand-free iron(iii)-catalyzed oxidative homocoupling reaction of grignard reagents

Abstract

The FeCl₃-catalyzed oxidative homocoupling reaction of Grignard reagents was used for the synthesis of π-conjugated polymers in this study. In the presence of an oxidant (1,2-dichloroethane), three polymers were successfully prepared, namely, poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene-2,7-diyl), poly(N-butylcarbazol-3,6-diyl) and poly(2,5-dihexyloxyphenylene-1,4-diyl). In comparison with the polymers obtained by Suzuki coupling, the polymers in this work showed no obvious difference in chemical structures or optical properties. On the basis of the relatively low cost of iron(III)-catalysts and Grignard reagents, this route would be an attractive alternative for the synthesis of π-conjugated polymers.