Organoiron polymers containing azo dyes

The synthesis of cationic organoiron polymers with azobenzene moieties in their side chains has been accomplished via nucleophilic aromatic substitution and ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) reactions. Polyaromatic ethers and thioethers with azobenzene moieties in their side chains were functionalized with different chromophores to yield yellow-, orange- and red-colored polymers. Polynorbornenes with azobenzene-containing side chains were isolated following ROMP of their monomeric analogs. All of the organoiron polymers were soluble in polar organic solvents and underwent reversible electrochemical reduction processes. Photobleaching of the azobenzene-containing polymers was achieved in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. The metallated polymers had glass transition temperatures approximately 50 to 80°C higher than their organic analogs.     

Synthesis of sulfone-containing monomers and polymers using cationic cyclopentadienyliron complexes

The synthesis of sulfone-containing monomers with pendent cationic cyclopentadienyliron (CpFe⁺) moieties has been accomplished via nucleophilic aromatic substitution of dichloroarene complexes with a number aliphatic dithiols. These complexes were further oxidized using m-CPBA to give the sulfone-based monomers. Polymerization of the sulfone-based monomers with O-containing nucleophiles produced the sulfone-based polymers. Direct nucleophilic aromatic substitution of dichloroarene complexes with dinucleophiles allowed for the formation of organoiron sulfide-based polymers. Oxidation of these polymers led to the formation of sulfone polymers with the pendent iron moieties. The organometallic monomers and polymers were found to be more soluble in polar solvents in comparison to their organic analogues.