POLYMERIZATION OF BIS(PYRIDINE)BIS-(2,4,6-TRIBROMOPHENOXO)COPPER(II) COMPLEX (PY2CU(TBRP)2) BY ELECTROOXIDATION AND STRUCTURAL CHARACTERIZATION BY H-1-NMR, C-13-NMR, AND FTIR SPECTROSCOPIES

Electroinitiated polymerization of bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxo)-bis(pyri dine)copper(II) complex was achieved in dimethylformamide-tetrabutylam monium tetrafluoroborate solvent-electrolyte couple under air or nitro gen at room temperature by constant potential electrolysis. Polymeriza tion conditions were based on the peak potentials measured by cyclic v oltammetry. The structural analyses of the polymers were done by H-1-N MR, C-13-NMR, and FTIR spectral analyses along with molecular weight m easurements by cryoscopy. The poly(dibromo phenylene oxide)s obtained only at oxidation potentials in either atmosphere were found to be hig hly linear, indicating mainly 1,4-catenation was taking place.