Application in the Synthesis of Chiral Conjugate Oligomers and Polymers

7 Application in the Synthesis of Chiral Conjugate Oligomers and Polymers 

The n-conjugated polymers such as poly[p-phenylene)s have found wide applications in advanced materials due to their unique electronic and optical functions as well as thermal and mechanical properties. Therefore, the synthesis of these polymers has attracted much attention. As a natural extension of oxidative biaryl coupling reactions presented in the previous sections, the oligomerization and polymerization of naphthol derivatives have been proved to be powerful methods for the construction of various n-conjugated polymers. 

Based on the above achievements, the group of Habaue systematically studied Cu-catalyzed asymmetric oxidative coupling polymerization reactions. 

It was found that racemic binaphthalenes could take part in the reactions and kinetic resolution was realized with a modest s factor in the presence of the Cu -(-)-sparteine complex. Asymmetric oxidative cross-coupling copolymerization reactions were also reported. A Lewis acid such as Yb(OTf)3 was found to be an effective co-catalyst for these reactions.  

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