Poly(p-phenylene)

Poly(p-phenylene) is a type of polymer that consists of phenylene units linked by their para positions. It is a rigid-rod polymer that is highly crystalline and exhibits excellent thermal stability, mechanical properties, and electrical conductivity.

Structure and Properties

Poly(p-phenylene) is composed of repeating phenylene units, which are aromatic hydrocarbon rings. The polymer chains are linked at the para positions of the phenylene rings, resulting in a linear, rigid-rod structure. This structure gives the polymer its high crystallinity and excellent thermal stability.

The electrical conductivity of poly(p-phenylene) is due to the delocalized pi electrons in the phenylene rings. These electrons can move along the polymer chain, allowing it to conduct electricity.

Synthesis

Poly(p-phenylene) can be synthesized through a variety of methods, including the polymerization of p-dichlorobenzene or the oxidative coupling of benzene. The choice of synthesis method can influence the properties of the resulting polymer, such as its molecular weight and degree of crystallinity.

Applications

Due to its unique properties, poly(p-phenylene) has a wide range of applications. It is used in the manufacture of high-performance fibers, semiconductor devices, and gas separation membranes. It is also used in the field of organic electronics, where it can serve as a conductive polymer in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and organic solar cells.

See Also

• Polymer
• Phenylene
• Polymerization
• Organic electronics