Synthesis of silyl-functionalized oligothiophene-based polymers with bright blue light-emission and high refractive index

In this paper, we report the synthesis of partially conjugated polymers with a silyl-group-substituted oligothiophene and a short alkyl chain in the main chain by hydrosilylation polymerization and describe their optical properties such as luminescence and refractive index. The obtained polymers are found to have good solubility and processability. Moreover, the high steric hindrance of the silyl-group can inhibit the π–π interaction and intermolecular aggregation of the polymers. Hence, the emission of the obtained polymers was similar to that of the corresponding silyl-group-substituted oligothiophene. The polymers exhibit intense light blue fluorescence under UV irradiation and a high refractive index in the visible light region.

We report the synthesis of partially conjugated polymers with a silyl-group-substituted oligothiophene in the main chain by hydrosilylation polymerization. The polymers exhibit intense light blue fluorescence under UV irradiation and a high refractive index in the visible light region.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights
► Partially conjugated polymers with a silyl-group-substituted oligothiophene were prepared.
► The high steric hindrance of the silyl-group can inhibit the π–π interaction and intermolecular aggregation of the polymers.
► The polymers exhibit intense light blue fluorescence under UV irradiation.
► The polymers show a high refractive index in the visible light region.