Controlling the end-groups of Poly (3- Hexylthiophene) via Vilsmeier-haack reaction

Abstract

π-Conjugated oligomeric and polymeric semiconductors have been the focus of intense research over the past few decades as alternatives to inorganic semiconductors for lowcost electronic applications such as organic thinfilm transistors (OTFTs), light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), and photovoltaics (OPVs). These materials enable vapor- or solution-phase fabrication of large-area, lightweight electronic devices and are compatible with plastic substrates for mechanically flexible, conformable, and wearable electronics. In this research, we aim at modification of the H/Br end groups of poly (3-hexylthiophene) to CHO/Br end groups via Vilsmeier-haack reaction using POCl3 and DMF as the catalytic system in toluene medium. The end groups of the obtained polymer were determined via FT-IR spectroscopy and were further confirmed by Maldi-ToF. The result showed that completion of the Vilsmeierhaack reaction was obtained after 24 h at 75 °C.