Synthesis of Oligothiophene-Layered Polymers

Polymers with layered π‐electron systems comprising bithiophenes and quaterthiophenes based on a xanthene skeleton have been synthesized by an iron‐catalyzed oxidative coupling reaction. The polymers are well soluble in common organic solvents, and polymer thin films are readily obtained by a spin‐coating or casting technique. The synthesized polymers exhibit good thermal stability, and their 10% weight loss temperatures are approximately 400 °C. These behaviors of the polymers suggest that they can be used as opto‐electronic devices such as hole‐transporting materials. The synthesis of bithiophene‐ and quaterthiophene‐layered polymers based on a xanthene unit by an oxidative coupling reaction is reported. Their synthetic method, characterization, and properties are described in detail.