Synthesis and polymerization of beta,beta-dibromo-4-ethynylstyrene; Preparation of a new polyconjugated, hyperbranched polymer

The new monomer beta,beta-dibromo-4-ethynylstyrene was synthesized and polymerized by the Heck reaction to give a partially soluble, conjugated hyperbranched polymer. The polymer structure was elucidated using standard spectroscopic techniques and with the aid of model compound synthesis. Theoretical calculations using the AM1 method were carried out and they showed that conjugation in the polymer is partially disrupted by twisting of the benzene rings. Both the model compound and the polymer showed luminescence. (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.