In Situ Polymerization of EDOT Derivatives and Relatives

The oxidative polymerization with the aid of persulfate in water is limited to EDOT and a few derivatives, which are water-soluble to a certain extent (for example, EDOT-CH3, EDOT-CH2OH, sulfonate-modified EDOT or oligo-ethylenglycol-substituted EDOT). In contrast, the in situ polymerization is of far broader range with respect to the EDOT derivatives applicable. The minimum prerequisite is a moderate to good solubility in alcohols like ethanol or n-butanol at slightly elevated or room temperature. Another important aspect is the reactivity of the monomer, which must not be too high with iron-III toluenesulfonates to avoid instantaneous polymerization. 

Lower conductivities than for the unsubstituted in situ PEDOT are resulting in most cases. There are virtually no comprehensive investigations in the literature to learn more about conductivities of the polymers from these 

EDOT derivatives for in situ polymerization (for a detailed explanation of R and R, see Table 

All films were made with the following simple recipe 14 mmol EDOT derivative, 50 g iron(III)-tosylate as a 41% (wt/wt) solution in n-butanol and 212 g n-butanol were mixed. The solution was coated on glass by a doctor blade with wet film thickness 60 pm at room temperature and then dried at room temperature or slightly enhanced temperature (for example, at 23°C for 20 min or at 40°C for 10 min). After drying, e films were rinsed with deionized water to remove iron salts and toluenesulfonic acid. Surface resistances were measured by a two-point method. 

Several alkyl-EDOT derivatives (synthesis via Williamson ether s)mthe-sis, transetherificahon,28 or Mitsunobu reaction, see Chapter 5) have been 

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