SOLID-STATE REACTION BETWEEN BENZIDINE AND P-BENZOQUINONE

Benzidine reacts with p-benzoquinone in the solid state as well as in solution in 1:2 molar ratio forming a new compound, which decomposes o n heating and is electrically conducting. During solid state reaction, p-benzoquinone diffuses into the crystal lattice of benzidine leading to the formation of a blue coloured intermediate compound which immed iately changes into the dark coloured final product. Kinetic studies i n the solid state suggest that during the diffusion of p-benzoquinone, surface migration and grain boundary diffusion play a significant rol e along with vapour phase diffusion.