Poly(aniline boronic acid): A new precursor to substituted poly(aniline)s

A novel strategy for preparing a wide range of substituted poly(aniline)s f rom a single precursor is described. This approach relies on a boron activa tion/electrophilic displacement reaction resulting in ipso-substitution. Sp ecifically, we demonstrate this strategy to prepare a few of the many possi ble structures that can be generated from poly(aniline boronic acid), inclu ding poly(hydroxyaniline) and halogenated poly(aniline)s. The ability to tu ne the properties of poly(aniline) through the generation of these new stru ctures will be useful in diverse fields where poly(aniline) is used ranging from polymer-based electronics to sensors.