Functional small-molecules & polymers containing P[double bond, length as m-dash]C and As[double bond, length as m-dash]C bonds as hybrid π-conjugated materials.

Stable phospha- and arsaalkenes were used to synthesize polymers containing unsaturated P[double bond, length as m-dash]C and As[double bond, length as m-dash]C moieties. The composition, chemical environment, structure, optical, and electronic properties of the monomers and polymers were elucidated. The incorporation of the heteroatom-carbon double bonded units efficiently perturbs the optoelectronics and solid state features of both monomeric and polymeric scaffolds. Proof-of principle work supports their responsive character through post-functionalisation and electrochromic behaviour. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of a polymer containing arsenic-carbon double bonds.