Synthesis and characterization of novel hyperbranched polymers with discrete conjugated units via Heck reaction

A novel monomer beta,beta'-dibromo-4-(10-undecynoyloxy)styrene (5) was synthesized and polymerized to give a soluble hyperbranched polymer (poly-5) containing discrete conjugated units. Copolymerization of monomer 5 with beta,beta'-dibromo-4-ethynylstyrene (6) produced partially soluble hyperbranched copolymer poly-56. The average conjugated length was longer for poly-56. The polymer structure was determined by FT-IR, H-1 NMR, and C-13 NMR spectroscopy. The polymers were found to be photoluminescent with emission peaks correlated with absorption maxima. Poly-56 was less thermally stable than poly-5 due to higher concentration of the triple bonds.