Conjugated ladder polymers (CLPs) represent a fascinating class of macromolecules characterized by their multi-stranded, π-conjugated structures with uninterrupted fused rings forming the backbone. Their unique constitution presents synthetic challenges that extend beyond those associated with conventional conjugated polymers. The synthesis of CLPs is typically achieved through one-pot annulative ladder polymerization or a two-step process involving polymerization followed by post-polymerization cyclization. Over the past decade, numerous innovative synthetic techniques and novel CLP structures have emerged. The distinctive architectures of these CLPs endow them with exceptional properties and robustness that are often unmatched by conventional non-ladder polymers. Significant progress has been made in the application of CLPs in various domains, such as organic semiconductors, active materials in organic electrochemical transistors, and organic thermoelectric devices. Despite these advances, the field continues to face a series of chemical and engineering challenges that must be overcome to fully harness the potential of CLPs as a highly promising class of functional organic materials.

共轭梯形聚合物 (CLP) 是一类令人着迷的大分子，其特征是具有形成主链的不间断稠合环的多链 π 共轭结构。它们独特的结构带来了超越传统共轭聚合物的合成挑战。 CLP 的合成通常通过一锅环梯聚合或聚合后环化的两步过程来实现。在过去的十年中，出现了许多创新的合成技术和新颖的 CLP 结构。这些 CLP 的独特架构赋予它们卓越的性能和坚固性，而这些性能和坚固性往往是传统非梯形聚合物无法比拟的。 CLP在有机半导体、有机电化学晶体管活性材料和有机热电器件等各个领域的应用取得了重大进展。尽管取得了这些进展，该领域仍然面临一系列化学和工程挑战，必须克服这些挑战，才能充分发挥 CLP 作为一类极具前景的功能有机材料的潜力。