Polyethers and thioethers incorporating neutral and cationic organoiron complexes

The synthesis of linear and star-shaped oligomers containing cationic and neutral organoiron groups in their structures was achieved by reaction of cationic arene complexes of cyclopentadienyliron containing terminal hydroxyl groups with 1,1′-ferrocenedicarbonyl chloride or ferrocene carboxylic acid. The use of chloroarene complexes allowed for the formation of triiron complexes that were subsequently polymerized via nucleophilic aromatic substitution with various oxygen- and sulfur-based dinucleophiles. The corresponding polyethers and thioethers were isolated in good yields and these materials exhibited excellent solubilities in polar organic solvents. Cyclic voltammetric investigations revealed that the cationic iron centers pendent to the polymer backbones underwent reversible reduction steps, while the neutral iron centers within the polymer backbones underwent reversible oxidation steps. Photolysis of these polymers resulted in the removal of the cationic cyclopentadienyliron moieties pendent to the polymer backbones. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that the cationic iron complexes were cleaved from the polymers at approximately 210 °C. Differentials scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed that the glass transition temperatures of the cationic polymers occurred at higher temperatures than their neutral analogs.