ELECTROCHEMISTRY OF N-VINYL-2-PYRROLIDONE AND A NON POLYMERIZABLE ANALOG

According to previous studies, the electropolymerization of N-vinyl-2- pyrrolidone fits a cationic mechanism with grafting of the polymer ont o the platinum anode. However, this article shows that the pyrrolidone substituent of N-VP is also involved in the anodic reaction in additi on to the polymerizable vinyl double bond. This additional reaction in the potential range of interest was confirmed by the electrochemical oxidation of a non polymerizable analogue of N-VP, i.e. N-methylpyrrol idone. Therefore, at least two mechanisms can contribute to the electr odeposition of a polymer film in a solvent of poly N-VP: electrografti ng and polymer branching and/or crosslinking by species stemming from the electrooxidation of the pyrrolidone rings. (C) 1997 Elsevier Scien ce Ltd.