Sterically controlled azomethine ylide cycloaddition polymerization of phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester

Abstract

Phenyl-C₆₁-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) is polymerized simply using a one-pot reaction to yield soluble, high molecular weight polymers. The sterically controlled azomethine ylide cycloaddition polymerization (SACAP) is demonstrated to be highly adaptable and yields polymers with probable M_n ≈ 24 600 g mol⁻¹ and M_w ≈ 73 800 g mol⁻¹. Products are metal-free and of possible benefit to organic and hybrid photovoltaics and electronics as they form thin films from solution and have raised LUMOs. The promising electronic properties of this new polymer are discussed.