SYNTHESIS AND ELECTROCHROMIC PROPERTIES OF A METHACRYLATE POLYMER CONTAINING PENDANT TERTHIOPHENE

A new methacrylate polymer containing terthiophene as a pendant group, poly[(2,2':5',2 ''-terthiophen-5-yl)methyl methacrylate],has been pre pared by radical polymerization of the corresponding monomer and its e lectrochromic properties have been examined. Electrochemical oxidation of the polymer in the presence of tetra-n-butylammonium perchlorate p roduced a purple-colored electrochemically doped polymer, which was id entified as a radical-cation salt of pendant terthiophene with ClO4- a s a dopant. The polymer undergoes a reversible clear color change from pale yellow to purple and Vice versa on electrochemical doping and de doping and is expected to be a potential electrochromic material.