Room temperature polymerizations of selenium and alkynones for the regioselective synthesis of poly(1,4-diselenin)s or polyselenophenes

Summary

The development of polymerization methodology is essential for the pursuit of the structural and functional diversity of polymers. To construct polymers with new functional groups, the existing reactions may not meet the requirements of high efficiency and selectivity, and reaction customizations on the substrates and conditions are hence necessary to fulfill the demands of polymer synthesis. Herein, to realize direct conversion from elemental selenium (Se) to functional polymers with unique Se-containing heterocycles, the efficient transition-metal-free room temperature regioselective polymerizations of Se and alkynones with desired reactivity and selectivity were developed. Poly(1,4-diselenin)s or polyselenophenes with high molecular weights (M_n up to 29,400 g/mol) were afforded in high yields (up to 92%), which showed excellent solubility, stability, and high refractive indices (up to 1.8487 at 633 nm). The development of Se-based polymerizations through reaction customization is anticipated to accelerate the exploration of Se chemistry and Se-containing polymer materials.