Synthesis and characterization of polyanilines with electron-withdrawing substituents

The synthesis of different homopolymers and copolymers derived from anilines bearing strong electron- withdrawing groups (-CF3, -CN, -NO2) is reported. It has been found that the oxidation of 3-substituted anilines leads to more regular polymers than those obtained from the 2-isomers. Protonation of such substituted polyanilines is rendered difficult and can only occur at pH < 0. Copolymerization with unsubstituted aniline should give materials with modulation of the basicity, leading to localized charge carriers upon acid-doping. Electrical and optical properties of these copolymers will be reported.