Synthesis and properties of water-soluble oligo- (p-phenylkene vinylene)

A water-soluble oligo(p-phenylkene vinylene) [4,4′-(1,4-phenylene dithenylene)-bis-(N-methyl pyridinium iodide)] was synthesized by Witting reaction. The oligomer was characterized by NMR, elemental analysis, UV-visible spectrum, surface photovoltage spectrum and fluorescence spectrum.