Model for Conformational Relaxation of Flexible Conjugated Polymers: Application to p‐Phenylenevinylene Trimers in Nonpolar Solvents

Photoexcitation of flexible conjugated polymers is invariably followed by a fast conformational/torsional relaxation towards a configuration favouring coplanarity of the conjugated segments. In general, the experimental relaxation rate constant (k_CR) depends on the solvent viscosity (η) and temperature (T), and is not proportional to T/η. A theory capable of explaining the observed dependence of k_CR on T and η over a wide range of these variables is not available. This gap is filled here by presenting a stochastic model that includes the participation of the oligomer side chain in storing and dissipating the stresses induced by photoexcitation. The model is able to account for the softening of solute–solvent interactions and its predictions are found to be in excellent agreement with the observed relaxation rate constants of a series of substituted p‐phenylenevinylene trimers ChemPhysChem 2009 , 10, 448–454] on T, η and the size of the side‐chains.