A fast semi-continuous anionic process for fluorene-functionalized homo and block oligomers with uniform molecular weights

Abstract

A semi-continuous strategy based on anionic reactions was developed for the step-by-step synthesis of oligomers with uniform molecular weights. With the homemade monomers, the strategy allows the one-pot synthesis of oligomers up to tetramers without intermediate separation owing to the highly efficient stoichiometric anionic reaction. The combination of the continuous process with the coupling reaction affords homo-oligomers and triblock oligomers of large molecular weights with a precisely inserted fluorenyl functionality. Aggregation-induced emission was observed in the suspensions of the coupled homo-oligomers and triblock oligomers in the mixed solvents of THF and water. The current approach provides a new method in the preparation of oligomers and block oligomers with uniform molecular weights.