STUDY OF THE ROLE OF THE DEPROTONATION STEP IN THE ELECTROCHEMICAL POLYMERIZATION OF THIOPHENE-TYPE MONOMERS

The effect of three non-nucleophilic bases (2,6-di-tert-butylpyridine (TBP), 7-methyl-1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]-dec-5-ene (MTBD) and 1,5-di azabicyclo[4.3.0]-non-5-ene (DBN)) on the polymerization of thiophene and 3-methylthiophene has been studied by spectrally following the fil m deposition. A clear inhibiting effect was observed with each base. T he additives increased the delay time before the start of film deposit ion and decreased the rate of film formation. The unsuccessful polymer izations resulted in the formation of a terthiophene-type compound. Th e inhibiting effect was attributed to the deprotonation of the interme diates in the early stages of the polymerization reaction.