Phosphole electropolymerization

Phosphole formation from zirconacyclopentadienes is useful for preparing novel organic materials. As shown in Eq. 2.25, this method can provide monomers (32 and 33) or oligomers for electropolymerization reactions [29]. 

It is likely that the P atoms of the as-synthesized film obtained from the o3,X3-derivative 35 are protonated, at least partially, since the electropolymerization process generates protons [15a]. The polymers prepared with neutral phospholes... 

In conclusion, for the most part, polymers incorporating phosphole units are still rare. However, the work described above demonstrates that they are accessible via a number of diverse synthetic routes including organometallic coupling or electropolymerization processes. The general property-structure relationships established with well-defined small oligomers have been shown to extend to the corresponding polymeric materials. 

Hay, C., C. Fischmeister, M. Hissler, L. Toupet, and R. Reau. 2000. Electropolymerization of IT-conjugated oligomers containing phosphole cores and terminal thienyl moieties Optical and electronic properties. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 345 1812-1815. 

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