Synthesis and Functionalities of Si-π Alternating Molecules

Organosilicon compounds, in which π-conjugated carbon units are linked by a silicon bridge, are of current interest. They represent a new class of conjugated compounds and the interaction between the silicon σ-orbital and π-electron system, namely σ-π conjugation, provides the opportunities to use them as functionality materials. In particular, polymers composed of a regularly alternating arrangement of organosilicon and π-conjugated carbon units have been extensively studied and it has been demonstrated that they can be used as photoresists, organic semiconductors, and precursors of silicon carbide. This paper deals with the synthesis and properties of novel σ-π conjugated compounds. In addition, our recent efforts to understand the nature of σ-π conjugation in the compounds and find out the relationship between the functionality and the structures of the compounds, are described. This would provide important information to design the σ-π conjugated compounds with higher functionalities.