Oxidative synthesis and properties of poly(2-ethylaniline)

Poly(2-ethylaniline), a pi-electron conjugated conducting polymer, has been prepared under different polymerization conditions in nitrogen atmosphere. The structure of the prepared polymer has been elucidated by infrared spec tra and elemental analyses. The electrochemical studies of the polymerizati on of 2-ethylaniline and its film at a platinum electrode have been perform ed in 1,2-dichloroethane using different dopants. The electrical conductivi ties of these polymers are found to be in the range of 10(-4) to 10(-7) Scm (-1). Thermal studies of the polymer were carried out by thermogravimetric analysis. The DTG curves of ClO4- and SbCl6- doped polymer reveal the maxim um weight loss at 400 and 500 degrees C respectively. The magnetic suscepti bility of the prepared polymer shows paramagnetic behaviour. Surface morpho logy of the polymer film is also described.