Nanoconfined synthesis of conjugated ladder polymers

Conjugated ladder polymers (CLPs) are an attractive type of macromolecule consisting of periodically repeated fused aromatic rings. Their rigid and fully conjugated backbones endow CLPs with intriguing optical, electronic, and magnetic properties. Current challenges facing CLP chemistry are difficulty in regulating their synthesis due to unfavorable side reactions ( e.g. cross-linking and branching) and their low solubility. Template-confined synthesis is a viable strategy for controlling CLP structures at the atomic scale. In this review, we describe recent developments and future perspectives in the confined synthesis of CLPs utilizing templates, including metal surfaces and nanoporous materials. Access to CLPs with greater diversity will contribute to the ability to control their intrinsic properties, paving the way to their future applications in many fields. This review highlights recent advances in controlled synthesis of conjugated ladder polymers using templates.