Synthesis, structure control and functions of polymers containing conjugated transition metal complex moieties

Polymers containing conjugated platinum (Pt) complex moieties in the main/side chains are potential high-performance materials that combine the catalytic and photoelectric functions of Pt complexes with the photoelectric properties and formability of π-conjugated polymers. The present article overviews the synthesis of Pt-containing polymers using a variety of polymerization methods, including dehydrochlorination coupling polymerization of PtL₂Cl₂ (L: ligand) with HCC–Ar–CCH (Ar: arylene) and ring-opening metathesis polymerization of norbornene monomers bearing Pt complex moieties. In addition, structural control by intra/intermolecular Pt–Pt, Pt–π, π–π, hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions is described. Finally, the review describes the development of applications of these materials, including catalysis for hydrosilylation and oxidation of alkenes, as well as photon upconversion, circularly polarized luminescence, mechanochromism and chiral recognition.