Synthesis and electroconductivities of poly(2-methoxy-5-methythio-1,4-phenylene vinylene) and copolymers

Poly(2-methoxy-5-methylthio-1,4-phenylene vinylene), PMTPV, and copolymers containing both unsubstituted or 2,5-dimethoxy-substituted and 2-methoxy-5-methylthio-1,4-phenylene vinylene units were prepared in thin films from their water-soluble, sulfonium salt precursor polymers. Doping of drawn and undrawn films of PMTPV with I₂ vapor led to conductivities of 10^?4–10^?3 S cm^?1, which is significantly lower than those reported for poly(2,5-dimethoxy-1,4-phenylene vinylene). Conductivity of I₂-doped copolymer films ranges from 10^?3–10⁰ S cm^?1 depending on composition.