Controlled electropolymerization based on self-dimerizations of monomers

Electropolymerization is one of the most important methodologies to synthesize and develop conducting polymers. The complexity of the polymerization mechanism, ion doping processes and structural defects are considered to be symbiotic and unavoidable, making the stagnant state and huge band gap with advanced interdisciplinary research fields and important applications in the last three decades. Herein, we provide a point of view into controlled electropolymerization by regioselective activation reactions of monomers, where self-dimerizations instead of self-electropolymerizations were utilized. The resulting dimers play a role in the connections between functional building blocks to form functional polymers on demand. This account highlights the typical findings in controlled electropolymerizations as a forum for discussing new opportunities in exploiting novel designs and applications.