Preparation of poly(9-alkylcarbazole-3,6-diyl)s via palladium catalysed cross-coupling reactions

A new synthetic route for the preparation of poly (9-alkylcarbazole-3, 6-diyl)s has been developed. The new synthetic method relies on the palladium catalysed cross-coupling polymerisation of Grignard derivatives of 9-alkyl-3,6-dihalocarbazoles (halogen = Br, I). The synthesis and characterisation of a series of these carbazole monomers and corresponding polymers is presented. The nature of halogen groups on the 9-alkyl-3,6-dihalocarbazole monomers and the steric effects of alkyl group substituents on the polymerisation reaction are discussed.