Synthesis of π-conjugated polymers bearing electronic and optical functionalities by organometallic polycondensations.: Chemical properties and applications of the π-conjugated polymers

Various pi-conjugated polymers have been obtained by using organometallic polycondensations mediated by organotransition metal complexes. For example, Ni(0) complex-promoted dehalogenation polycondensation of dihaloaromatic compounds X-Ar-X affords poly(arylene)s, -(-Ar-)-(n). Pd-catalyzed polycondensation gives poly(arylene- ethynylene)s, -(-Ar-CdropC-Ar'-CdropC-)-(n). These polymers are electrochemically active, electrically conductive, and light-emitting. Their well-characterized linear structure brings about unique packing of the polymer molecules in the solid. In this review, we report their synthesis by organometallic polycondensations, their basic properties, the ordered structure in the solid, and applications for electronic and optical devices of pi-conjugated polymers.