Nickel-Catalyzed Polymerizations: Mechanistic Studies & New Reaction Development Anne J. McNeil

1. Initial Rate [Monomer] Nickel-Catalyzed Polymerizations: Mechanistic Studies & New Reaction Development Anne J. McNeil Department of Chemistry and Macromolecular Science and Engineering Program University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1055 We are using a combination of rate and spectroscopic studies to elucidate the mechanism of polymerization so it can be generalized to a wider variety of substrates and applied to the synthesis of new polymer microstructures. Conjugated polymers (CPs) are the active components of numerous emerging technologies, including photovoltaics, PLEDs, and sensors. Key Results from First Year of Funding Conjugated Polymers Traditionally CPs are synthesized via step-growth methods. Chain-growth methods for preparing CPs were discovered simultaneously by Yokozawa and McCullough in 2004. However the scope is limited. 31P NMR spectrum of Ni(II)-biaryl Rate studies showing the reaction is zero order in monomer 31P NMR spectrum of Ni(II)aryl(halide) 2004 - McCullough and Yokozawa 2006 - Yokozawa