Post-polymerisation diversification of conjugated polymers by an inverse electron demand Diels–Alder reaction

Abstract

An efficient and selective inverse electron demand Diels–Alder reaction between tetrazine and aryl alkynes is reported, enabling the preparation of a library of pyridazine-containing polymers via post-polymerisation functionalization. These polymers exhibit similar molecular weight, polydispersity index and average chain length values. Subtle tuning of the halochromic and metal sensing ability of these polymers has also been demonstrated.