Synthesis and properties of PEDOT derivatives bearing an oligosiloxane moiety at the sidechain with a remarkably high electric conductivity by nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling polymerization

side chains, which was soluble in organic solvent, was carroed out via nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling polymerization. The synthesis of monomer EDOT (ethylenedioxythiophene) derivative was performed by the condensation of ene-diol derived from 3-allyoxy-1,2-propanediol with 3,4-dimethoxypropane followed by dibromination of the thiophene ring and hydrosilylation of the ene moiety. Treatment of the dibromo-EDOT monomer thus obtained with a Grignard reagent and following addition of nickel catalyst composed of N-heteroaromatic carbene as a ligand underwent the polymerization to afford the corresponding polymer PEDOT. The introduction of siloxane moieties at the side chain significantly improved solubility in organic solvents and thus allowed to show a high electric conductivity (up to 10³ Scm–1) upon doping, particularly with NOPF₆.