A matrix
of 22 two-armed norbornene-based imidazolium TFSI monomers
(8) was synthesized to determine the optimal structure
in terms of single ion conductivity. For the chain tethering the imidazolium
ring to the norbornene ring three or four oxyethylene units are optimal.
A terminal group of two ethyleneoxy units was optimal. NMR studies
indicated that both the tether oxyethylene units and the terminal
ethyleneoxy units interact with the imidazolium cation via hydrogen
bonding. 8r (X = 4, Y = 2) exhibited a conductivity of 9.57 × 10–5 S/cm at 25 °C and a T
g of −46
°C. Low T
g values do not correlate
with higher conductivity as a result of the H-bonding interactions.
Stability toward autopolymerization and reasonable conductivities
provide an acceptable platform for ion conducting ROMP polymers. Four
one-armed norbornene-based imidazolium TFSI monomers (15) were prepared with tetra(ethyleneoxy) linkers/spacers and variable
terminal groups. All of these exhibited low T
gs (<−55 °C) and room temperature conductivities
>10–4 S/cm, the highest being 4.39 × 10–4 S/cm for 15c (T
g = −69 °C), the analogue of 8r, providing
hope for outstanding polymers. Three oxanorbornene-based two-armed
imidazolium TFSI monomers (18) were prepared with varied
linkers and terminal groups. 18b possesses a room temperature
conductivity of 1.2 × 10–4 S/cm, again augering
well for polymers derived therefrom by ROMP.