Synthesis of soluble MEH-PPV and MEH-PPB by HORNER condensation polymerization

Soluble MEH-PPV 6 and the analogous MEH-PPB 8, possessing the 1,3-butadiene unit, have successfully been synthesized by condensation polymerization via the HORNER reaction. We describe the synthesis pathway and the detailed characterization and structural analysis from NMR, IR and GPC. The optical data of this MEH-PPV (Em. lambda(max) 590 nm, solid film) are consistent with previously reported values. MEH-PPB 8 exhibits a red shift in the absorption and fluorescence. A soluble MEH-DP-PPH 9 (Abs. lambda(max) 527 nm) containing the 1,3,5-hexatriene unit is also reported. The polymers prepared by the HORNER-methodology are completely soluble in common solvents and can be cast from solution to give transparent orange or red films, being of interest in light-emitting, nonlinear optical and photoconducting materials.