A novel and versatile methodology for functionalization of conjugated polymers. Transformation of poly(3-bromo-4-hexylthiophene) via palladium-catalyzed coupling chemistry

[Extract] Poly(thiophene)s have been an interdisciplinary subject of study over the past two decades 1-5 largely because of their novelty, characteristic electrical and pptical properties, and potential application in electronic devices such as organic field-effect transistors (FETs), 2 chemosensors, 3 electrochemical capacitors, 4 and light-emitting displays (LEDs). 5 Their processability, molecular organization, and electronic and optical properties can be controlled through derivatization of the thienylring. However, the scientific demand for poly(thiophene)s that possess more complex structural motifs is offset by synthetic limitations. For example, preparation of poly-(thiophene)s with functional side chains requires tedious procedures involving the synthesis of monomers. All but a few functional groups are intolerant of the harsh polymerization conditions, with the result that many potential functional poly(thiophene)s simply cannot be prepared