Synthesis, light emission, and photo-cross-linking of luminescent polyacetylenes containing acrylic pendant groups

New poly(1-phenyl-1-alkyne)s bearing acrylic pendants (-{(C6H5)CC[(CH2)mOCOCHCH2]}n-; P1(m), m=3, 9) with high molecular weights are synthesized in high yields by WCl6-Ph4Sn catalyst. The structures and properties of P1(m) are characterized and evaluated by IR, NMR, TGA, UV, and PL analyses. All the polymers are solution-processable and thermally stable (Td≥380 °C). Upon photoexcitation, the polymers emit strong blue lights with emission efficiencies (>40%) comparable to that of poly(1-phenyl-1-octyne), an emissive disubstituted polyacetylene. No excimeric absorption and emission are observed in the thin films of the polymers. The acrylic moieties of P1(m) are readily cross-linked by UV irradiation without harming their optical properties, which may enable them to find high-tech applications in photoresist, luminescent patterning, and light-emitting diodes.