ANYL 70 |
| The increasing focus on molecular electronics has brought much attention to conducting polymer systems such as poly(thiophene)s, which are of particular interest due to their unique intrinsic electrical and optical properties. These qualities are directly influenced by the extent of conjugation and molar mass distributions of the polymer. The overall goal of this study is to obtain a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in the production of these materials, so they may be tailored with specific qualities while using a simpler, more efficient process than is currently employed. The investigation concentrates on the use of low-temperature environments, in conjunction with non-traditional solvent systems, for the production of highly regio-regular, high molecular weight poly(3-hexylthiophene)s by oxidation with iron(III) salts. It has been shown that low-temperature synthesis of this material, using chloroform as a solvent, increases yields, conjugation lengths and average molar masses of the product. This inquiry reveals, that while temperature directly impacts the development of high quality polymer, the particular solvent used for the synthesis is as important for ordered polymer chain growth; the proper choice of temperature for a particular solvent is necessary to facilitate reactions leading to more desirable physical properties in these systems. The structures of these polymers have been characterized by MALDI-TOF-MS and ESI-MS; while the regio-regularity and average molar mass distributions are shown using 1H-NMR and GPC analysis respectively. |
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General Posters
7:00 PM-9:00 PM, Sunday, August 19, 2007 BCEC -- Exhibit Hall - B2, Poster
Division of Analytical Chemistry |