Doped and undoped co-polymers of polyfuran, pyrrole, and thiophene: A chemical synthesis and conductivity studies

CHED 408

Rose McConnell, mcconnellr@uamont.edu1, Matthew S. McConnell, mcconnellr@uamont.edu2, Adam Green1, Ashley Young1, Lauren Young1, and Walter E. Godwin, godwin@uamont.edu1. (1) School of Math and Natural Science, University of AR-Monticello, Box 3480, UAM, Monticello, AR 71657, (2) School of Math & Natural Science, University of AR-Monticello, Box 3480, UAM, Monticello, AR 71657
The use of conductive polymers as a substitute for metallic conductors and semiconductors has attracted much attention in the literature. In particular, aromatic heterocyclic polymers constitute an important class since they possess chemical and electrical stability in both the oxidized (doped) and neutral (undoped) state. Doping a polymer allows one to vary its electrical, mechanical, optical, and thermal properties. The properties of these polymers are promising for their many technological uses such as antistatic coatings, solar cells, electronic devises, etc. Polyfuran is among the least common heterocyclic polymers. Polyfuran has been reported to be much less stable that either polypyrrole or polythiophene. However, molecular modeling studies show that co-polymers of furan with small amounts of pyrrole or thiophene are significantly more stable. The chemical synthesis of polyfuran, and co-polymers, using a mild oxidizing agent, pyridinium chlorochromate is described. The polymers are characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy. GPC, and the electrical conductivity of the synthetic polyfuran and co-polymers is provided.
 

Undergraduate Research Poster Session: Organic Chemistry
11:15 AM-1:15 PM, Monday, 14 March 2005 Convention Center -- Hall D, Poster

Division of Chemical Education

The 229th ACS National Meeting, in San Diego, CA, March 13-17, 2005