Synthesis of (2,7-dibromo-9,9-dialkyl-substituted-fluorene)s for Poly(dialkylfluorene)s by Phase Transfer Catalytic Reaction

2,7-dibromo-9, 9-dialkyl-substituted-fluorene derivatives were prepared by the alkylation of 2,7-dibromofluorene with various alkyl groups under two-phase phase transfer catalysis (PTC) conditions, as monomers for synthesizing poly(dialkylfluorene)s. Tetra-nbutylammonium hydrogen sulfate (TBAHS) was used as a phase transfer catalyst to enhance nucleophilic substitution. In addition, NaOH in water (25M) was used as a base to generate anions. Compared to conventional alkylation using butyllithium(BuLi), the reaction using the PTC technique attained high selectivity and substantial conversion of reactants, due to the enhanced reaction rate, while the reaction was carried out under moderate conditions. An approximately 90% yield was obtained from the reaction and the reaction time was remarkably reduced. 2,7-dibromo-9,9-dihexyl-fluorene, 2,7-dibromo-9,9-dioctyl-fluorene, and 2,7-dibromo-9,9-di(2-ethylhexyl)-fluorene were effectively synthesized by phase transfer catalytic reaction.