The electrochemical polymerization of 1-naphthylamine in acetonitrile
solution was studied by cyclic voltammetry. Infrared spectroscopy, ele
mental analysis and quantum chemical calculation were used to investig
ate the polymer film formed. The results showed that in an acetonitril
e solution containing sodium perchlorate and hydrochloric acid, the po
lymerization of 1-naphthylamine occurred at the p-position. A possible
structure of poly(1-naphthylamine) is suggested.