Synthesis and characterization of luminescent rod-coil block copolymers by atom transfer radical polymerization: utilization of novel end-functionalized terfluorenes as macroinitiators

Two novel, rigid, photoluminescent, substituted terfluorene derivatives were synthesized by utilizing direct bromination and Suzuki coupling reactions. These oligomers were used as initiators for the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of styrene and tert-butyl acrylate. Thus, diblock and triblock rod-coil block copolymers were prepared with well-defined structure, as far as their size and shape is concerned. Molecular weights up to approximately 21 000 and polydispersity indices not exceeding 1.5 in most cases were obtained. The copolymers emit blue light in solution, and their luminescence properties remain practically invariable when passing from solution to the solid state. No ground-state aggregation or excimer formation were observed in the solid state, even after annealing at high temperatures.