Synthesis of poly(3-alkylthiophene)-block-poly(arylisocyanide): two sequential, mechanistically distinct polymerizations using a single catalyst.

Block copolymers of poly(3-hexylthiophene) and a poly(arylisocyanide) were synthesized in a single pot via the addition of 2-bromo-3-hexyl-5-chloromagnesiothiophene followed by n-decyl 4-isocyanobenzoate to a solution of Ni(1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane)Cl(2). The respective mechanistically distinct polymerizations proceeded in a controlled fashion and afforded well-defined block copolymers with tunable molecular weights and compositions. The block copolymers exhibited microphase separation characteristics in the solid state.