Preparation of poly(2,2′-bipyridine-5,5′-diyl) derivatives by dehalogenation polycondensation by using Ni(0)-complexes. Electrical properties, optical properties and chemical reactivities of the polymers

Dehalogenation polycondensation of corresponding dihaloaromatic compounds with a zerovalent nickel complex affords poly(6, 6′-dimethyl-2, 2′-bipyridine-5, 5′-diyl) (P6MeBpy) and poly(6, 6′-dihexyl-2, 2′-bipyridine-5, 5′-diyl) (P6HBpy) composed of 2, 2′-bipyridine units in high yields. P6HBpy is soluble in common organic solvents such as CHCl3 and THF. P6MeBpy and P6HBpy exhibit fluorescence and n-type electrically conducting properties. π-Conjugated polymer chelate ligands, P6MeBpy and P6HBpy, react with copper(I) to form the corresponding Cu complexes.