Heck reactions of stilbenoid chromophores with alkoxysilyl-substituted styrenes: Synthesis of monomers for luminescent polymers

Luminescent stilbenoid chromophores with diethoxysilane end groups are prepared via Heck reactions. Diethoxysilane-substituted styrenes are used as vinylic components, thus allowing the combined connection of the chromophore to the silane moiety with an extension of the π-system. Monodisperse oligo(phenylenevinylene)s of different conjugation lengths and bromine or iodine as reactive sites are used as coupling partners. Electrical and optical properties are tuned via the length of the conjugated system, electron withdrawing cyanide and electron donating alkoxy side chains, the latter guarantee high solubility of the final compounds.Dedicated to Prof. Dr. H. Ringsdorf on the occasion of his 75th birthday