Photophysical properties of soluble light-harvesting polyhydrofurans from post-polymerization functionalization of polyketones

Soluble polyhydrofurans with chromophoric end-groups have been synthesized via post-polymerization modifications of polyketones. The absorption intensity in solution and molecular weight were controlled by manipulation of reaction time after addition of HBr gas, and the chromophoric end-groups exhibited blue emission with a maximum quantum yield of ca. 14%. Precise addition of a dopant decreased chromophore emission quantum yield, presumably by energy transfer from the polymer end-groups to the polymer backbone. Given their solubility, tunability with regard to photophysical properties and molecular weight, the resulting polymers may have applicability to organic-based electronic devices and studies of the solution-processability thereof.