Poly(fluoroalkylsilane-b-dialkylsilane)-based chemosensory material for fluoride with high sensitivity, selectivity and solubility

Poly((i-butyl-n-decylsilane)x-b-(methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropylsilane)1−x) (PSi3) was prepared using a simultaneous block copolymerization with a conventional Wurtz-type condensation reaction. The block-like polysilane copolymer showed high selectivity and sensitivity toward fluoride ion (F−) even in the coexistence of the halide ions (Cl−, Br−, and I−), and high solubility to common organic solvents with the dielectric constants (ɛ′) between 1.88 (n-hexane) and 9.04 (benzotrifluoride). Such unique characteristics were derived from poly(methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropylsilane) (PSi1) and poly(i-butyl-n-decylsilane) (PSi2) unit in the copolymer, respectively. In addition, sensitivity to F− and solubility in organic solvents were successfully optimized by adjusting the composition ratio between PSi1 and PSi2 unit.