Nickel-Catalyzed Polymerizations: Mechanistic Studies & New Reaction Development Anne J. McNeil Department of Chemistry and Macromolecular Science and Engineering Program University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1055 Conjugated polymers (CPs) are the active components of numerous emerging technologies, including photovoltaics, PLEDs, and sensors. We are using a combination of rate and spectroscopic studies to elucidate the mechanism of polymerization so it can be generalized to a wider variety of substrates and applied to the synthesis of new polymer microstructures. Key Results from First Year of Funding Conjugated Polymers Traditionally CPs are synthesized via step-growth methods. Chain-growth methods for preparing CPs were discovered simultaneously by Yokozawa and McCullough in 2004. However the scope is limited. 31P NMR spectrum of Ni(II)-biaryl Rate studies showing the reaction is zero order in monomer 31P NMR spectrum of Ni(II)aryl(halide) 2004 - McCullough and Yokozawa Initial Rate [Monomer] 2006 - Yokozawa