Atom transfer radical polymerization of N-(ω′-alkylcarbazolyl)methacrylates via the use of novel heteroleptic Ru(II) polypyridyl initiator

cis-Dichloro-bis(2-(2-pyridyl)-4-carbonylmethylquinoline)ruthenium (II) complex was synthesized and its structure, electrochemical, electronic absorption and emission properties were determined. A derivative Ru(II) complex with radical initiating sites was employed in the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of functional N-(ω′-alkylcarbazoly)methacrylates to provide linear metallopolymers with the metal chromophores at one termini of the polymer chain. These polymers were characterized by gel permeation chromatography in combination with low-angle laser light-scattering, UV–Vis and emission spectroscopy to verify the covalent attachment of the metal chromophores to the polymer chain. The polymers thermal transitions and thermal stabilities were also investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis.