The Preparation and Modification of Phthalocyanine Containing Materials

Abstract

Phthalocyanines (Pcs) are highly conjugated, 18π-electron cyclic molecules composed of four isoindoline units that exhibit unique optical, electrical and chemical properties. While originally used as dyes and pigments, the use of Pcs in modern technology has increased dramatically due to improved understanding and processing capabilities. Work in this dissertation outlines a number of methods to prepare Pc-containing materials for use in various applications. Chapter 1 provides a brief review of methods used to prepare Pc-containing polymeric materials from both symmetric and asymmetric macrocycles. Discussion will focus on methods that incorporate symmetric Pcs as the focal point, with particular attention being paid to the influence of the peripheral substitution of the Pc on macromolecular structure and properties. Further discussion will focus on the utilization of asymmetric Pcs as auxiliary functionalities, such as at the terminus or as pendant groups, of larger macromolecular materials. Chapter 2 describes the preparation of linear Pc-containing polymers through ring-opening metathesis polymerization of a Pc monomer. Through proper selection of catalyst, well-defined polymers with Pcs as pendant groups were prepared. Due to the controlled nature of ROMP, polymers of varying architectures, composition, and size were synthesized. The effect of Pc metallation, polymer composition and architecture on the site-isolation of the chromophore was investigated in both solution and condensed-phase thin films. Chapter 3 reports on efforts to prepare linear polymers with companion functionalities for post-polymerization coupling of asymmetric Pcs. Polymers with pendant furan groups were prepared for coupling with asymmetric Pcs through Diels-Alder cycloaddition. Investigation indicated that while coupling was achievable, the presence of the Pc in the resultant polymer promoted undesired crosslinking when stored at ambient conditions in light. Attempts to mitigate this problem through alternation of functionality locations were attempted by placing the furan functionality on the Pc, but degradation of the furan occurred to quickly to perform coupling sufficiently. Chapter 4 discusses the preparation of Pc-containing networks through Diels-Alder cycloaddition of furan and maleimide containing tetrasubstituted Pcs. Following preparation of the various Pcs, network formation in various states was conducted including solution, molded thick films, and patterned assemblies. Chapter 5 summarizes the results presented in Chapters 2-4 and provides an outlook for some future directions based upon the work herein. In addition, some preliminary results of some of these directions will also be presented.