Synthesis,Electrochemical, and Optical Properties of a Novel PPV/PPE Block‐Copolymer

Summary: A novel poly(p‐phenylene vinylene) (PPV)/poly(p‐phenylene ethynylene) (PPE) block‐copolymer was synthesized by a cross‐coupling polycondensation with Pd(PPh₃)₂Cl₂ and a phase‐transfer catalyst, and was confirmed by ¹H NMR and IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The thermal, electrochemical, and photoluminescent properties of the new copolymer have been investigated. The incorporation of triple bonds into the cyano‐substituted PPV (CN‐PPV) backbone leads to higher oxidation and reduction potentials than poly(2‐methoxy‐5‐(2‐ethylhexyloxy)‐p‐phenylene vinylene) (MEH‐PPV) and CN‐PPV, potentially making the copolymer a good electron‐transporting material for use in a light‐emitting‐diode device.

The cyclic voltammogram of the novel poly(p‐phenylene vinylene) (PPV)/poly(p‐phenylene ethynylene) (PPE) block‐copolymer synthesized here.