Organoboron materials are known for their interesting electronic and photophysical properties, which have been exploited, for example, in the development of new linear and non-linear optical materials, emission and electron conduction layers in organic light emitting devices (OLEDs), and new probes and sensors for anions. Interaction of the empty p orbital on boron with an organic pi-system has been shown to be at the origin of these unusual properties.

We have developed different modular routes for incorporation of electron-deficient boron centers into the main chain and side chain of thiophene-based polymers. The direct attachment of boron to the thiophene moieties provides for strong electronic coupling of the boryl groups and the organic polymer main chain. The photophysical properties, relative Lewis acidity, and environmental stability can all be fine-tuned by introducing suitable pendant aryl groups to the boron centers. The new polymers will be discussed in the context of potential applications as optoelectronic materials and as sensors for nucleophiles.