Soluble polydiacetylenes: molecular properties and solid state organization

Abstract The solution properties of a novel soluble polydiacetylene, poly[1,6-bis(3,6-dihexadecyl- N -carbazolyl)-2,4-hexadiyne] (polyDCHD-HS), have been investigated by use of spectroscopic (UV–VIS absorption, fluorescence and FT-Raman) and light scattering techniques in benzene and toluene. The unique spectroscopic and molecular properties of these solutions are reported and discussed in relation to the particular interactions of the polymer substituents with aromatic solvents. The introduction of the long alkyl-substituents on the carbazolyl side groups not only improves the processability relative to the parent unsubstituted polymer but also suppresses the chromic effects observed in other soluble polydiacetylenes. The side groups are also responsible for the peculiar supramolecular organization observed in the powder phase of the red form.