Polysilanes. Synthesis, structure and thermochromic behavior

Abstract

High molecular weight, substituted polysilane derivatives constitute an interesting class of radiation sensitive materials for which a number of potential applications have been uncovered. Although more recent synthetic procedures show promise, particularly for the preparation of stereoregular homopolymers and ordered copolymers, the modified Wurtz coupling of substituted dichlorosilanes remains the most useful procedure for the preparation of linear, high molecular weight materials. This paper describes the synthesis, electronic properties and solution thermochromism of polysilanes.