Synthesis, characterization and modification of azide-containing dendronized diblock copolymers

A series of dendronized diblock copolymers having rigid backbone and reactive surface were synthesized by ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) from dendronized norbornene derivatives using the second generation Grubb's catalyst. The bromine-terminated block of those rigid nanostructures has been converted to more reactive azide groups in one straightforward step. The resulting polymers were then functionalized by post-polymerization reaction with fullerene C-60 (electron acceptor) using thermal [3+2] cycloaddition reaction or with porphyrin (electron donor) using copper-catalyzed click chemistry, the ultimate goal being the preparation of efficient polymeric materials for photovoltaic applications. While fullerene addition was not complete (approximately 50%) because of cross-linking reactions and steric hindrance on the dendrimers surface, Zn-porphyrin introduction went to completion clearly demonstrating the usefulness of click chemistry for polymer functionalization. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd, All rights reserved.