Preparation of iridescent-reflective poly(furan-co-phenylene)s by electrochemical polymerization in a cholesteric liquid crystal medium

Optically active poly(4,4′-di(2-furyl)biphenyl) is successfully prepared by asymmetric electrochemical polymerization in a cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) electrolyte. The polymer thus obtained forms a fingerprint optical texture similar to that of the CLC electrolyte and a convexo-concave surface structure along the fingerprint pattern. The polymer displays iridescence under irradiation with white light, and circular diffraction upon laser irradiation.