Conjugated Oligomers and Polymers Sheathed with Designer Side Chains

Conjugated polymers (CPs) are often referred to as molecular wires because of their quasi one-dimensional electronic wavefunctions delocalized along the polymer chains. However, in the solid state, CPs tend to self-assemble through π-stacking, which greatly attenuates the one-dimensional nature. By molecular design, CPs can be molecularly insulated just like electric power cords, resulting in so-called "insulated" molecular wires (IMWs). In this Focus Review, we will discuss their unique photophysical, electronic, and mechanical properties which originate from the absence of π-stacking. Wired up: In this Focus Review, the molecular design of insulated molecular wires and their unique photophysical, electronic, and mechanical properties are discussed.