Cellulose Derivatives Carrying Triphenylamine (TPA) Moieties: Synthesis and Electro‐Optical Properties

A novel ethyl cellulose derivative [poly( 1 )] that carries triphenylamine moieties is synthesized with a moderate number‐average molecular weight up to 78 200 in 85% yield by the reaction of 4‐(diphenylamino)benzoic acid with the residual hydroxy group of ethyl cellulose. Poly( 1 ) is soluble in common organic solvents including toluene, CHCl 3 , CH 2 Cl 2 , and tetrahydrofuran while insoluble in hexane, diethyl ether, and methanol. The polymer emits blue–green fluorescence with quantum yields up to 65% in CHCl 3 and displays unique solvatochromism. The cyclic voltammograms of poly( 1 ) indicate that the polymer carrying TPA moieties is electrochemically redox active. The onset temperature of weight loss of the poly( 1 ) is about 177 °C according to thermogravimetric analysis in air.