Synthetic routes to bis(pyrrolyl)arylenes. Experimental and molecular modeling studies

The synthesis and characterization of compounds derived from 9,9-dialkylfluorene and 1,4-dioxane[3,4-b]thiophene are described. The key step involves a modified Steglich reaction between 9,9-dialkyl-2,7-N,N'-diallyliminochlorofluorene or 2,5-N,N'-diallyliminochloroethylenedioxythiophene and tert-BuOK (Route 1). Route 2 for bis(pyrrol-2-yl)dioxanethiophene, involving the reaction between 1,4-dioxane[2,3-c]thiophene and a dioxolanepropanol, is also a useful and general strategy. Molecular modeling studies indicate relationships between the molecular parameters (structure, ionization potential, atomic charges) of the synthesized moieties and their polymerization properties.