A series of functionalized copolymers is synthesized via ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP).
Dioctyloxy-substituted [2.2]metaparacyclophane-1,9-diene (DO-mp-CPDE) (M1), was synthesized and
fully characterized by IR, 1D-NMR, and 2D-NMR. A novel fully conjugated polymer, poly(m,p-phenylenevinylene),
along with rod–coil copolymers (P2–P5) incorporating DO-mp-CPDE and non-conjugated units
Norbornene Dicarboximides (NDI), was synthesized utilizing ROMP with second-generation Grubbs catalyst
(G2). Kinetics studies examined using GPC confirmed controlled living polymerization in homopolymer
and block designs, evidenced by PDI 1.10–1.17 and a close agreement between experimental and
calculated Mn values. In contrast, random copolymers exhibited broader distributions due to ring strain
mismatch. Optical measurements revealed tunable band gaps, Eop
g 2.53–2.56 eV, and electrochemical
gaps, Eelc
g 2.01–2.37 eV, with enhanced conjugation in the homopolymer leading to narrower gaps.
Morphological investigations using SEM showed distinct self-assembly behaviours influenced by the
polymer chain and the micellization protocol, which explains the enhancement in the optical properties
of these polymers with Eop
g 2.27–2.41 eV. TGA analysis demonstrated high thermal stability across all polymers,