Synthesis and Aggregation Behavior of Novel Linear and Branched Oligothiophene‐Containing Organosilicon Multipods

The synthesis of novel oligothiophene‐containing carbosilane‐siloxanes of linear or branched structure with conjugation lengths of 4–7 thiophene rings, flexible aliphatic spacers varying from C₃ to C₁₁, and various degrees of branching of end‐capping solubilizing groups is reported. The investigation of their phase behavior by differential scanning calorimetry and polarizing optical microscopy showed that although some of them can form liquid‐crystalline phases, the majority of the linear molecules exhibits a high degree of crystallinity, which decreases with increasing degree of branching. Aggregation studies in dilute solutions in toluene at different temperatures allowed determination of the temperature and concentration dependence of their dissociation. The investigation of thin films prepared from dilute solutions revealed the formation of fibril domains confirming aggregation of the molecules.