Synthesis and characterisation of partially-conjugated 2,5-dialkoxy-p-phenylenevinylene lightemitting polymers

The synthesis and characterisation of precursor 2,5-dialkoxy-poly-p-phenylenevinylenes (PPVs) 1-5 (1: R=n-hexyl, Rʹ=methyl; 2: R=R′=n-hexyl; 3: R=R′=methyl; 4:R=n-octyl, R′=methyl; 5:R=R′=2-ethylhexyl) is reported. The monomers were prepared by alkylation of hydroquinone followed by chloro- or bromomethylation. They were then polymerized by base-catalyzed elimination of HX (X=C1, Br) to give the precursor polymers for the corresponding 2, 5-dialkoxy-poly-p-phenylenevinylenes(PPVs).