Design and synthesis of porphyrin-containing arrays on polypyrrole surfaces

Polypyrrole films react with thiols to give covalently substituted, reduced polymers. The extent of reaction and the depth to which the thiol penetrat es depends upon the time the film is exposed to the thiol solution. The ele ctrical conductivity of the derivatized chains is permanently destroyed dur ing this process, but if the reaction is limited to the film surface, the b ulk polymer remains electroactive. When a halobenzene- or haloacridinethiol is used, it is possible to use palladium catalyzed coupling chemistry to a ttach porphyrins to the surface anchor.