Synthesis and electropolymerization of a perylenebisimide-functionalized 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) derivative

We have developed a convenient and straightforward procedure for the preparation of functionalized 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) systems by using a new chloromethyl-EDOT derivative as a versatile synthon. Based on this procedure, novel suitably functionalized perylenetetracarboxylic diimide (PDI) dye derivatives covalently linked to 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene moieties have been synthesized and electrochemically polymerized to yield a donor-acceptor PENT derivative with an enhanced absorption cross-section.