Synthesis and characterization of novel photoluminescent bis[(3,4-ethylenedioxy)thien-2-yl] materials

We report the synthesis of novel 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) derivatives and the investigation of their photoluminescent properties. Synthesis of 2,5-bis[(3,4-ethylenedioxy)thien-2-yl]-Q derivatives were obtained by cross-coupling reactions using organopalladium and organonickel chemistry, Knoevenagel condensations, and functional group interconversions for the hydrazide method. These materials exhibit blue to red emission characteristics with quantum yields ranging from 3.2 - 9.0%. Cyclic voltammetry shows oxidation potentials ranging from 422-617 mV. The prepared monomers may be used as optical building blocks in other unique polymer systems.