Development of macromolecules and supramolecules based on silicon and arsenic chemistries

Organic-inorganic hybrids are one of the most important tools in materials science. Since the incorporation of abundant elements into single molecules realizes molecular-level hybridization, organic-inorganic hybrid molecules and polymers have attracted increasing attention. In this focus review, the author's recent works on hybrid materials utilizing silicon and arsenic are overviewed. Among widely used silicon compounds, silsesquioxane ((RSiO1.5)(n)), adopting a cage structure, is a key structure. Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) has been employed for the reinforcement of organic materials, but the author has been working on single-molecular POSS materials and main-chain-type POSS polymers. In the last half of this review, organoarsenic polymers and supramolecules are introduced. Though experimental studies on organoarsenic compounds have been avoided due to the dangers of conventional synthetic procedures, the author's practical methods have strongly contributed to the syntheses of functional organoarsenic compounds. The high functionality and usability of organoarsenic compounds are demonstrated.