Synthesis of Hetero-bifunctional, End-Capped Oligo-EDOT Derivatives.
Conjugated oligomers of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) are attractive materials for tissue engineering applications and as model systems for studying the properties of the widely used polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene). We report here the facile synthesis of a series of keto-acid end-capped oligo-EDOT derivatives (n = 2-7) through a combination of a glyoxylation end-capping strategy and iterative direct arylation chain extension. Importantly, these structures not only represent the longest oligo-EDOTs reported but are also bench stable, in contrast to previous reports on such oligomers. The constructs reported here can undergo subsequent derivatization for integration into higher-order architectures, such as those required for tissue engineering applications. The synthesis of hetero-bifunctional constructs, as well as those containing mixed-monomer units, is also reported, allowing further complexity to be installed in a controlled manner. Finally, we describe the optical and electrochemical properties of these oligomers and demonstrate the importance of the keto-acid in determining their characteristics.
Departments of Materials and Bioengineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK.
Christopher D
CD
Spicer
Departments of Materials and Bioengineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK.
Marsilea A
MA
Booth
Departments of Materials and Bioengineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK.
Damia
D
Mawad
Departments of Materials and Bioengineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK.
Astrid
A
Armgarth
Materials Research Institute and School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK.
Christian B
CB
Nielsen
Departments of Materials and Bioengineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK.
Molly M
MM
Stevens
C-H activation; SDG3: Good health and well-being; SDG7: Affordable and clean energy; conjugated polymer; end capping; oligomer; synthesis; thiophene