Synthesis of Poly(2-Methoxy-5-Methyl-1,4-Phenylene Vinylene); Substituent Effects on the Electrical and Nonlinear Optical Properties

Abstract

Conjugated polymers are currently considerable interest as materials for a wide variety of applications in last afew decades.^1,2 Among them, the interest in poly(1,4-phenylenevinylene) (PPV) and its derivatives has been increased because they have high environmental and thermal stability, good processibility and high film quality, etc. They can be readily prepared in high molecular weight through the water-soluble precursor route.³ This route has allowed for preparation of a number of derivatives, including alkoxy, alkyl and halogen substituted derivatives.^4–9 The substitution on the phenylene ring of the monomer with different type of substituent shows significant difference in electronic structure of the corresponding polymer,^4–14 and thus affects the nonlinear optical and electrical properties of the polymer.