A composition comprising a monomer of the general formula (M1) wherein M is a metal or semimetal of main group 3 or 4 of the periodic table; X.sup.M1, X.sup.M2 are each O; R.sup.M1, R.sup.M2 are the same or different and are each an —CR.sup.aR.sup.b—Ar—O—R.sup.c; Ar is a C.sub.6 to C.sub.30 carbocyclic ring system; R.sup.a, R.sup.b are the same or different and are each H or C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl; R.sup.c is C.sub.1-C.sub.22-alkyl, benzyl or phenyl; q according to the valency and charge of M is 0 or 1; X.sup.M3, X.sup.M4 are the same or different and are each O, C.sub.6 to C.sub.10 aryl, or —CH.sub.2—; R.sup.M3, R.sup.M4 are the same or different and are each R.sup.M1, H, C.sub.1-C.sub.22 alkyl, or a polymer selected from a polyalkylene, a polysiloxane, or a polyether.

##STR00001##

The present disclosure relates to methods of forming a film including small molecules. Such methods can optionally include removing such small molecules, such as by way of sublimation, evaporation, or conversion to a more volatile form.

Provided is a cured product having excellent heat resistance and dielectric properties (low dielectric properties) by using a curable resin characterized by having an indane skeleton. Specifically, provided are a curable resin having an indane skeleton represented by the following formula, a resin composition containing the same, and a cured product thereof.

##STR00001##

X is a (meth)acryloyl group; Ra and Rb are each an alkyl group, an aryl group, an aralkyl group, or a cycloalkyl group with a carbon atom number of 1 to 12; j is an integer of 1 to 3; k and 1 are each an integer of 0 to 4; n is an average number of repeating units, being 0.5 to 20; and m is an integer of 0 to 2.

Provided is a cured product having excellent heat resistance and dielectric properties (low dielectric properties) by using a curable resin characterized by having an indane skeleton. Specifically, provided are a curable resin having an indane skeleton represented by the following formula, a resin composition containing the same, and a cured product thereof.

##STR00001##

X is a (meth)acryloyl group; Ra and Rb are each an alkyl group, an aryl group, an aralkyl group, or a cycloalkyl group with a carbon atom number of 1 to 12; j is an integer of 1 to 3; k and 1 are each an integer of 0 to 4; n is an average number of repeating units, being 0.5 to 20; and m is an integer of 0 to 2.

The present invention relates to a hardmask composition including a compound represented by Chemical Formula 1 and a solvent, a hardmask layer including a cured product of the hardmask composition, and a pattern forming method using the hardmask composition.

##STR00001##

In Chemical Formula 1, the definitions of A, R.sup.1 to R.sup.5, and n are as described in the specification.

A composition for forming a resist underlayer film exhibits strong etching resistance, has a good dry etching rate ratio and a good optical constant, and is capable of forming a film that provides good coverage over a so-called multilevel substrate and that is flat with reduced difference in thickness after embedding. A resist underlayer film uses said composition for forming a resist underlayer film; and a method for producing a semiconductor device. The composition for forming a resist underlayer film contains: a polymer having the partial structure represented by formula (1); and a solvent. (In the formula, Ar represents an optionally substituted C6-20 aromatic group.)

The present disclosure provides fluorescent polyindenofluorene polymers or macromers with unique optical properties that are stable. The polymeric fluorophores are useful in various bioassays formats. The inventive polymers are useful in assays relying on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) mechanisms where two fluorophores are used.

Hydrocarbon proton exchange membranes are disclosed that are composed of a material including a hydrophobic main chain, and acidic side chains. The main chain includes a polyaryl structure that is substantially free of ether linkages and also includes a fluoromethyl substituted carbon. The acidic side chains include a hydrocarbon tether terminated by a strongly acidic group, such as a fluoroalkyl sulfonate group. Chemical stability of the material is increased by removing the ether linkages from the main chain. The hydrophobic main chain and substantially hydrophilic side chains create a phase-separated morphology that affords enhanced transport of protons and water across the membrane even at low relative humidity levels. These materials are advantageous as membranes for use in fuel cells, redox flow batteries, water hydrolysis systems, sensors, electrochemical hydrogen compressors, actuators, water purifiers, gas separators, etc.

Hydrocarbon proton exchange membranes are disclosed that are composed of a material including a hydrophobic main chain, and acidic side chains. The main chain includes a polyaryl structure that is substantially free of ether linkages and also includes a fluoromethyl substituted carbon. The acidic side chains include a hydrocarbon tether terminated by a strongly acidic group, such as a fluoroalkyl sulfonate group. Chemical stability of the material is increased by removing the ether linkages from the main chain. The hydrophobic main chain and substantially hydrophilic side chains create a phase-separated morphology that affords enhanced transport of protons and water across the membrane even at low relative humidity levels. These materials are advantageous as membranes for use in fuel cells, redox flow batteries, water hydrolysis systems, sensors, electrochemical hydrogen compressors, actuators, water purifiers, gas separators, etc.

Water solvated polymeric dyes and polymeric tandem dyes are provided. The polymeric dyes include a water solvated light harvesting multichromophore having a conjugated segment of aryl or heteroaryl co-monomers linked via covalent bonds, vinylene groups or ethynylene groups. The polymeric tandem dyes further include a signaling chromophore covalently linked to the multichromophore in energy-receiving proximity therewith. Also provided are labeled specific binding members that include the subject polymeric dyes. Methods of evaluating a sample for the presence of a target analyte and methods of labeling a target molecule in which the subject polymeric dyes find use are also provided. Systems and kits for practicing the subject methods are also provided.