Single-step preparation of polythiophene bearing branched chains by dual initiation polymerization

A facile approach for the single-step preparation of branched polythiophenes using a copper(II) catalyst via a dual initiation polymerization process is reported. The synthetic route of dual initiation polymerization involves both oxidative polymerization and metal-catalyzed radical polymerization. In this process, two kinds of polymerization can be performed concurrently as a one-pot reaction using a Cu²⁺/Cu⁺ switchable catalytic system. Differential scanning calorimetry and photoluminescence studies confirmed the formation of the π-conjugated polymer structure. Our results provide new insights on the various grafting of copolymers with polythiophene copolymers and functional branched chains using a single-step process. This process could lead the way for enhanced processability towards novel functionalized π-conjugated polymers [Figure not available: see fulltext.]