Synthesis and characterization of poly[2,5‐bis(triethoxy)‐1,4‐phenylene vinylene]

The synthesis of a highly soluble, 2,5‐disubstituted poly(p‐phenylene vinylene) with pendant side chains containing ether groups was accomplished by a dehydrochlorination route. Specific interactions of the oxygen‐containing side chains with the solvent are presumably responsible for the high solubility of the polymer, especially in protogenic solvents. The polymer microstructure was characterized by 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR. The polymer showed solvatochromic properties when dissolved in a variety of solvents. The relatively high molecular weight (Mn = 17,000) permitted the fabrication of free‐standing films. The electrical conductivity of iodine‐doped films was approximately 2 × 10–2 S cm–1.