Transition Metal σ-Acetylide Polymers Containing Main Group Elements in the Main Chain: Synthesis, Light Emission and Optoelectronic Applications

This chapter highlights recent progress in the development of rigid-rod transition metal polyyne polymers and their molecular model oligomers containing selected group 14 and 16 main group elements in the molecular backbone. The research work involves the synthesis, spectroscopic and photophysical characterization, and possible optoelectronic applications of these luminescent polymeric materials. Considerable emphasis is placed on the optical spectroscopy, photoluminescent behavior, thermal stability and structural aspects of this class of polymetallaynes. A comprehensive account of the effects of these main group elements on the spatial extent of the lowest singlet and triplet excited states of these metal polyyne polymers is provided and the roles of these conjugation-interrupting units in governing the radiative decay rates for phosphorescence emissions are critically elucidated. The future developments of this research frontier in various domains are also discussed.