Synthesis and Properties of Regioregular Polythiophene Bearing Cyclic Siloxane Moiety at the Side Chain and the Formation of Polysiloxane Gel by Acid Treatment of the Thin Film

摘要

Preparation of 2-halo-3-substituted-thiophene bearing a cyclic oligosiloxane moiety in the side chain was carried out and subjected to nickel(II)-catalyzed deprotonative polymerization to give the corresponding polythiophene, which was found to be highly soluble in various organic solvents particularly in hexanes. Treatment of the thin film of the obtained polythiophene with acidic vapor resulted in cross linking of the cyclic siloxane moiety through ring opening. Accompanying doping of the polythiophene main chain on the polymer film indicated improved conductivity with remarkably drastic change in before/after acidic treatment.