We review our recent studies in which the optical functions of monomers and π-conjugated polymers are precisely controlled based on flexible heteroatom-containing complexes. The combination of heteroatoms, such as boron, nitrogen, oxygen, and fluorine, creates slightly bent and asymmetric structures against π-surfaces, which induce bending motion in the excited state, providing solid-state luminescence and stimuli-responsive properties. Furthermore, the structures enable π-conjugation to be extended, and the optical functions are finely tuned by polymerization, which restricts the flexibility along the polymer main chain. Our strategy provides novel insights for the development of π-conjugated polymers showing unprecedented functionalities.
- Masayuki Gon
- Kazuo Tanaka
- Yoshiki Chujo
