Two-dimensional scaffolds for the parallel alignment of rod-shaped conjugated molecules

Described is a method for creating two-dimensional, ordered arrays of linear, conjugated organic molecules on polyimide scaffolds. Key to the design was the enforcement of consecutive 90 degrees twist angles along the polyimide backbone. Rod molecules that are templated by such scaffolds are held parallel and in the same plane and have optical properties that are similar to those of monomeric analogues. As supporting evidence for the structures of the polymers, a series of model compounds were synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography. The polymeric materials are soluble and have been characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, MALDI-TOF, and UV-vis spectroscopy.