Synfacts 2006(4): 0335-0335  
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-932063
Synthesis of Materials and Unnatural Products
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Metal-Ligand Binding Provides Route to High Molecular Weight Polymers

Contributor(s): Timothy M. Swager, Anne J. McNeil
D. Knapton, S. J. Rowan*, C. Weder*
Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
24 March 2006 (online)

Significance

High molecular weight poly(p-phenylene ethynylene)s (PPEs) with enhanced mechanical properties are generated by the metal-induced supramolecular polymerization of PPE polymers end-capped with 2,6-bis(1′-methylbenzimidazolyl)pyridine. Introduction of Fe(ClO4)2 or Zn(ClO4)2 produced a spontaneous increase in solution viscosity and led to mechanically robust spin-coated and solution-cast films as well as fibers.