Cyclic polyacetylene
- 3 June 2021
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Springer Science and Business Media LLC in Nature Chemistry
- Vol. 13 (8), 792-799
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s41557-021-00713-2
Abstract
Here we demonstrate the synthesis of cyclic polyacetylene (c-PA), or [∞]annulene, via homogeneous tungsten-catalysed polymerization of acetylene. Unique to the cyclic structure and evidence for its topology, the c-PA contains >99% trans double bonds, even when synthesized at −94 °C. High activity with low catalyst loadings allows for the synthesis of temporarily soluble c-PA, thus opening the opportunity to derivatize the polymer in solution. Absolute evidence for the cyclic topology comes from atomic force microscopy images of bottlebrush derivatives generated from soluble c-PA. Now available in its cyclic form, initial characterization studies are presented to elucidate the topological differences compared with traditionally synthesized linear polyacetylene. One advantage to the synthesis of c-PA is the direct synthesis of the trans–transoid isomer. Low defect concentrations, low soliton concentration, and relatively high conjugation lengths are characteristics of c-PA. Efficient catalysis permits the rapid synthesis of lustrous flexible thin films of c-PA, and when doped with I2, they are highly conductive (398 (±76) Ω−1 cm−1).Keywords
Funding Information
- NSF | Directorate for Mathematical & Physical Sciences | Division of Chemistry (CHE-1808234)
- NSF | Directorate for Mathematical & Physical Sciences | Division of Materials Research (DMR-1644779)
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | NIH Office of the Director (S10RR031637)
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