Post-functionalization of alternating π-conjugated copolymers containing fluorene moieties via anodic chlorination using AlCl3

Abstract

Fluorene (Fl) derivatives are representative emitting motifs; thus, they are often installed into alternating π-conjugated copolymers (P(Fl-Ar)) as soluble polymeric emitters. Many researchers have focused on modifying the combined arylene units in P(Fl-Ar) derivatives to tune their optoelectronic properties; however, P(Fl-Ar) derivatives that contain fluorene units with functional groups at their sp² carbons remain limited. Here, we synthesize P(Fl-Ar) derivatives comprising sp²-chlorinated fluorene units via anodic chlorination using aluminum chloride (AlCl₃). The introduced chlorine atoms affect the optoelectronic properties of the pristine P(Fl-Ar) derivatives. Compared with the precursor P(Fl-Ar) derivatives, chlorinated P(Fl-Ar) derivatives exhibit longer maximum emission wavelengths.