The synthesis of conjugated polymers incorporating recognition elements for ions and electron deficient org. mols., e.g., polythiophenes, polyphenylenes, etc., are described. Palladium [Pd(PPh3)4] catalyzed coupling of polythiophenes which form a self-assembled pseudopolyrotaxane and synthesis of conjugated polymers with enhanced chemosensory response are described. The use of these methods for the construction of all carbon ladder polymers, i.e., graphite ribbons is outlined. [on SciFinder(R)]
