Synthesis and properties of polymers containing aromatic amino groups in the main chain and their glass-forming model compounds

Polymers containing di(carbazol-3-yl)phenylamine and N,N′-di(carbazol-3-yl)-N,N′-diphenyl-1,4-phenylenediamine units in the main chain have been synthesized by a modified Ullmann condensation as a key step. The number-average molecular weights of the polymers synthesized were in the range of 2300–4800 with a molecular weight distribution of 1.42–2.25. Well defined model compounds of the title polymers were synthesized by stepwise reactions. All the materials exhibit high thermal stability with the initial weight loss temperatures exceeding 320 °C and form glasses. Their glass transition temperatures range from 102 to 216 °C as characterised by differential scanning calorimetry. The electron photoemission spectra of thin films of the synthesized compounds have been recorded and the ionisation potentials of 5.0–5.1 eV have been established.