A Well-Defined Ladder Polyphenylsilsesquioxane (Ph-LPSQ) Synthesized via a New Three-Step Approach: Monomer Self-Organization−Lyophilization—Surface-Confined Polycondensation

A high-molecular-weight and well-defined ladder polyphenylsilsesquioxane (Ph-LPSQ) was synthesized via a new three-step approach: monomer self-organization in solution, lyophilization, and surface-confined polycondensation. A ladder superstructure, which served as a template to direct the polycondensation, was self-assembled from the 1,3-diphenyl-tetrahydroxy-disiloxane monomer (M) in acetonitrile solution. Following that, it was lyophilized to form a thin layer on the inner surface of a flask. Subsequently, polycondensation of the ordered monomeric thin layer was performed under a triethylamine (TEA) atmosphere. This strategy increased the ladder regularity of the Ph-LPSQ by preventing common complications faced in solution polycondensation of silanol-containing monomers, such as cyclization and gelation side reactions. 29 Si NMR analysis showed a very narrow peak (peak width at half-height, w 1/2 = 2.5 ppm) at δ = –78.5 (corresponding to a Ph-SiO 3/2 unit), indicating a high degree of regularity of the polymer structure.