Functional small-molecules & polymers containing PC and AsC bonds as hybrid π-conjugated materials

Stable phospha- and arsaalkenes were used to synthesize polymers containing unsaturated PC and AsC moieties. The composition, chemical environment, structure, optical, and electronic properties of the monomers and polymers were elucidated. The incorporation of the heteroatom–carbon double bonded units efficiently perturbs the optoelectronics and solid state features of both monomeric and polymeric scaffolds. Proof-of principle work supports their responsive character through post-functionalisation and electrochromic behaviour. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of a polymer containing arsenic–carbon double bonds.