Electrosyntheses of free-standing poly(dibenzo-18-crown-6) films in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate on stainless steel electrode

High-quality free-standing poly(dibenzo-18-crown-6) (PDBC) films with a conductivity of 4.1 × 10⁻² S cm⁻¹ and good thermal stability were synthesized electrochemically on stainless steel electrode by direct anodic oxidation of dibenzo-18-crown-6 (DBC) in pure boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE). In this medium, the oxidation potential onset of DBC was measured to be only 0.98 V vs. SCE, which was much lower than that in acetonitrile + 0.1 mol L⁻¹ Bu₄NBF₄ (1.45 V vs. SCE). PDBC films obtained from this medium showed good redox activity and stability in BFEE. The structural characterization of PDBC was performed using UV-vis, FTIR spectroscopy. The results of quantum chemistry calculations of DBC monomer and FTIR spectroscopy of PDBC films indicated that the polymerization mainly occurred at C₍₄₎ and C₍₅₎ positions). Fluorescent spectral studies indicated that PDBC was a blue light emitter. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the electrodeposition of free-standing PDBC films.     

Electrosyntheses of high quality poly(5-methylindole) films in mixed electrolytes of boron trifluoride diethyl etherate and diethyl ether

High quality poly(5-methylindole) (P5MeI) films, especially with good fluorescence properties, were synthesized electrochemically by direct anodic oxidation of 5-methylindole in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE) containing additional 50% diethyl ether (EE) (by volume). The oxidation potential onset of 5-methylindole in this medium was measured to be only 0.84 V vs. SCE, which was much lower than that determined in acetonitrile + 0.1 mol L⁻¹ TBATFB (1.08 V vs. SCE). P5MeI films obtained from this medium showed good electrochemical behavior and good thermal stability with conductivity of 10⁻² S cm⁻¹, indicating that BFEE was a better medium than acetonitrile for the electrosyntheses of P5MeI films. Dedoped P5MeI films were thoroughly soluble in strong polar solvent such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). ¹H NMR spectroscopy and FT infrared spectrum of dedoped P5MeI films strongly suggested that the monomers were linked via the positions 2 and 3. Fluorescent spectral studies indicated that P5MeI was a good violet-blue light emitter with the excitation and emission wavelength of 310 nm and 418 nm, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case that 5-methyl group substituted polyindole films with good fluorescence properties can be electrodeposited.     

Direct electrosynthesis and characterization of a new soluble polyfluorene derivative containing carboxyl group in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate

High-quality poly(fluorene-9-acetic acid) (PFAA), a new soluble polyfluorene derivative, was synthesized electrochemically by direct anodic oxidation of fluorene-9-acetic acid (FAA) in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE) containing a certain amount of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). This electrolyte enables facile anodic oxidation of FAA monomer at lower potential (1.05 V vs. SCE). PFAA films with conductivity of 0.53 S cm⁻¹ obtained from this medium showed better redox activity and thermal stability in relation to unsoluble poly(fluorene-9-carboxylic acid). Fluorescent spectral studies indicate that PFAA film with high fluorescence quantum yields and photochemical stability is a good blue-light emitter. The structure and morphology of the polymer were studied by UV–vis, FT-IR, ¹H NMR spectra and scanning electron microscopy, respectively.     

Low potential electrosyntheses of free‐standing poly(dibenzofuran) films in mixed electrolytes of boron trifluoride diethyl etherate and trifluoroacetic acid

Free‐standing poly(dibenzofuran) (PDBF) films were synthesized electrochemically by direct anodic oxidation of dibenzofuran in mixed electrolytes of boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE) containing certain amount of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). The oxidation potential of dibenzofuran in pure BFEE was measured to be only 1.31 V versus saturated calomel electrode (SCE). This value was much lower than that determined in acetonitrile + 0.1 mol L^?1 TBATFB (2.14 V vs. SCE). The addition of TFA to BFEE can further decrease the oxidation potential of the monomer to 1.07 V versus SCE in the mixed electrolyte of BFEE + 30% TFA. PDBF films obtained from this medium showed good electrochemical behavior, good electrochromic properties, and good thermal stability with conductivity of 10⁰ S cm^?1. FTIR and ¹H NMR spectra showed that the polymer was grown mainly via the coupling of the monomer at C₍₃₎ C₍₁₀₎ or C₍₄₎ C₍₉₎ positions (Scheme 1). As‐formed PDBF films were partly soluble in tetrahydrofuran (THF) or chloroform. Fluorescent spectral studies indicated that either soluble or PDBF in solid state was a good blue light PDBF emitter. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that free‐standing PDBF films can be electrodeposited. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 1125–1135, 2006     

Electrosyntheses of freestanding polyindole films in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate

High‐quality freestanding polyindole (PIn) films were synthesized electrochemically through the direct oxidation of indole in pure boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE). The oxidation potential of indole in this medium was measured to be only 0.86 V versus a saturated calomel electrode, which was lower than that determined in acetonitrile/0.1 mol L^?1 Bu₄NBF₄. PIn films obtained from this medium showed better electrochemical behavior and better thermal stability with a conductivity of 10^?1 S cm^?1, and this indicated that BFEE was a better medium than acetonitrile for the electrosyntheses of PIn films. Structural studies showed that the polymerization of indole ring occurred at the 2,3‐position. As‐formed PIn films could be partly dissolved in acetone, acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran, and so forth. Fluorescent spectral studies indicated that PIn was a good blue‐light emitter. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the fluorescence of PIn. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 1444–1453, 2005     

Electrosyntheses and characterization of poly(9-bromophenanthrene) in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate

A novel semi-conducting polymer poly(9-bromophenanthrene) (P9BP) was synthesized electrochemically by direct anodic oxidation of it is monomer 9-bromophenanthrene (9BP) in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE). The oxidation onset potential of 9BP in this medium was measured to be only 1.33 V vs. saturated calomel electrode (SCE). P9BP films obtained from BFEE showed good electrochemical behavior and nice thermal stability with electrical conductivity of 0.03 S cm⁻¹. FTIR and ¹H NMR spectra together with theoretical quantum chemistry calculations indicated that the P9BP was mainly grown via the coupling of the monomer at C₃ and C₆ positions. Furthermore, P9BP exhibited strong electrochromic nature from opaque green to light yellow between the doped and dedoped states on ITO electrode in solid state. Fluorescence spectral studies indicated that P9BP was a blue light emitter.     

Electrosyntheses of poly(2,3-benzofuran) films in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate containing poly(ethylene glycol) oligomers

Visible-light transparent high-quality substrate-supported poly(2,3-benzofuran) (PBF) film has been successfully electrosynthesized by direct anodic oxidation of 2,3-benzofuran on stainless steel sheet in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE) containing 10% poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) with molar mass of 400 (by volume). The oxidation potential of 2,3-benzofuran in this medium was measured to be only 1.0 V vs. SCE, which is lower than that determined in acetonitrile + 0.1 M Bu₄NBF₄ (1.2 V vs. SCE). The PBF films obtained in this media showed good electrochemical behaviors and good thermal stability with conductivity of 10⁻² S cm⁻¹, and the doping level of as-prepared PBF films was determined to be only 8.9%. The structure and morphology of the polymer were investigated by UV-vis, infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case for the syntheses of PBF films.     

Electrosyntheses of high‐quality polyphenanthrene in the electrolyte of boron trifluoride diethyl etherate containing trifluoroacetic acid

A novel inherently conducting polymer, high‐quality polyphenanthrene (PPh) films were synthesized electrochemically by direct anodic oxidation of phenanthrene (Ph) in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE) containing a certain amount of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). The oxidation potential of Ph in this medium was measured to be only 0.63 V versus SCE, which was greatly lower than that determined in acetonitrile + 0.1 mol L^?1 Bu₄NBF₄ (1.55 V vs. SCE). The electrolytes of BFEE containing TFA enable facile anodic oxidation of Ph monomer; however, similar oxidation using acetonitrile never produces such a polymeric material. PPh films obtained from this medium showed good redox activity and stability even in concentrated sulfuric acid. Dedoped PPh films were partly soluble in polar solvent such as CH₂Cl₂, acetone, tetrahydrofuran, and dimethyl sulfoxide. Fluorescent spectral studies indicate that PPh is a good blue‐light emitter. The structure and morphology of the polymer were studied by UV–vis spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, ¹H NMR spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The results of quantum chemistry calculations of Ph monomer and the spectroscopies of dedoped PPh indicated the polymerization mainly occurred at C₍₉₎ and C₍₁₀₎ positions. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 3929–3940, 2007     

Electrosyntheses of high‐quality poly(5‐nitroindole) films in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate containing additional diethyl ether

High‐quality poly(5‐nitroindole) (PNP) films were synthesized electrochemically by the direct anodic oxidation of 5‐nitroindole in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE) containing additional 10% diethyl ether (EE) (by volume). The addition of EE to BFEE could improve the solubility of the monomer. The oxidation potential onset of 5‐nitroindole in this medium was measured to be only 1.04 V versus a saturated calomel electrode (SCE), which was much lower than that determined in acetonitrile and 0.1 mol L^?1 tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate (1.53 V vs SCE). PNP films obtained from this medium showed good electrochemical behavior and good thermal stability with a conductivity of 10^?2 S cm^?1; this indicated that BFEE containing 10% EE was a suitable medium for the electrosyntheses of PNP films. Structural studies showed that the polymerization of the 5‐nitroindole ring occurred at the 2,3‐position. As‐formed PNP films were thoroughly soluble in the strong polar organic solvent dimethyl sulfoxide and partly soluble in tetrahydrofuran or acetone. Fluorescent spectral studies indicated that PNP was a good green‐light emitter, with excitation and emission wavelengths of 420 and 550 nm, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that nitro‐group‐substituted high‐quality conducting polymer films have been electrodeposited. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 3986–3997, 2005     

Electrosyntheses of freestanding poly (3-(4-fluorophenyl)thiophene) films in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate

High quality free-standing poly (3-(4-fluorophenyl)thiophene) (PFPT) films with conductivity of 10⁻¹ S/cm were electrosynthesized in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE) by direct anodic oxidation of the monomer 3-(4-fluorophenyl)thiophene (FPT) on stainless steel sheet. As-formed flexible and shiny PFPT films can be cut into various shapes by a knife or a pair of scissors. The structure, thermal stability and morphology of PFPT films were studied by FT-infrared, UV-vis, Raman spectroscopy thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy, respectively.     

Low-potential facile electrosyntheses of free-standing poly(5-methoxyindole) film with good fluorescence properties

High-quality free-standing poly(5-methoxyindole) (P5MIn) films were synthesized electrochemically by direct anodic oxidation of 5-methoxyindole (5MIn) in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE). P5MIn films obtained from this medium showed good electrochemical behavior and good thermal stability with a conductivity of 0.12 S cm⁻¹. P5MIn films were insoluble in water, acetone and tetrahydrofuran. The structure of the polymer was studied by UV–visible spectroscopy and FT-IR spectroscopy, which indicated that the polymerization occurred at C₍₂₎ and C₍₃₎ position. Fluorescent spectral studies indicate that solid P5MIn film is a good blue emitter. Thermal stability of P5MIn film is higher than poly(5-methylindole) and poly(5-chloroindole) obtained from BFEE. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the electrosyntheses of free-standing P5MIn films.     

三氟化硼乙醚溶液中卤代芴的电化学聚合

在三氟化硼乙醚(BFEE)溶液中9-溴芴和9,9-二氯芴可以直接阳极氧化制备聚(9-溴芴)和聚(9,9-二氯芴).单体在BFEE中的起始氧化电位远低于在乙腈体系中的起始氧化电位.聚(9-溴芴)和聚(9,9-二氯芴)均可溶于强极性有机溶剂,如二甲基亚砜、四氢呋喃等,并分别表现出良好的蓝色和黄绿色发光性能,其电导率测定为10-1S/cm.红外光谱和核磁共振波谱表明聚合反应主要发生在2,7位.     

四氢呋喃/三氟化硼乙醚混合电解质中咔唑的电化学聚合

在四氢呋喃/三氟化硼乙醚混合电解质中直接阳极氧化咔唑制备聚咔唑.单体的起始氧化电位为0.92 Vversus SCE,远低于单体在含0.1 mol.L-1Bu4NBF4的乙腈溶液中的起始氧化电位(1.36 Vversus SCE).在此体系中获得的聚咔唑膜具有良好的电化学活性和稳定性,其电导率为7.0×10-3S.cm-1.聚合物可部分溶解于二甲基亚砜等强极性有机溶剂.UV-Vis,FT-IR,1H-NMR证明聚合物共轭长链的形成.该体系中获得的聚咔唑是一种蓝光发射材料,并具有良好的热稳定性.     

Low-potential electrosynthesis of conducting and electroactive oligocatecholborane with blue light-emitting properties

Novel conducting oligocatecholborane (OCOB) with electrical conductivity of 3.73 × 10-2S cm-1 was successfully synthesized by low-potential electropolymerization of catecholborane (COB) in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate at 0.70 V versus Ag/AgCl. FT-IR and 1H-NMR spectra, together with the computational results, proved that COB was polymerized through the coupling at C(4) and C(5) positions and the reactive B―H bond was stable during the electrochemical polymerization. The resulting product was mainly composed of oligomers with short chain lengths by GPC and mass spectral results. The as-formed OCOB film showed good electrochemistry in monomer-free electrolytes with the electrochromic property from opaque blue to sap green. Fluorescence studies indicated that soluble OCOB can emit bright blue light under excitation of 365 nm UV light with the maximum emission at 396 nm and a fluorescence quantum yield of 0.21. The deposited OCOB also exhibited favorable thermal stability and smooth and compact morphology even at high magnifications.     

1,8-亚乙基萘在三氟化硼乙醚-聚乙二醇中的电化学聚合

在三氟化硼乙醚(BFEE)-聚乙二醇(分子量400,PEG400)混合电解质溶液中,1,8-亚乙基萘直接阳极氧化聚合可以获得自支撑聚(1,8-亚乙基萘)膜.单体在三氟化硼乙醚+10%PEG400中的起始氧化电位为0.95 Vversus SCE,远低于单体在0.1 mol.L-1四氟化硼四丁基胺-乙腈溶液中的起始氧化电位(1.38 VversusSCE).同时PEG400的加入可以有效改善单体在三氟化硼乙醚中的溶解性.UV-Vis,FTIR和1H-NMR确定了1,8-亚乙基萘在4,5位聚合,荧光光谱表明固态及可溶聚(1,8-亚乙基萘)膜是蓝色发光材料.     

9,9-二乙基芴在三氟化硼乙醚中的电化学聚合

在三氟化硼乙醚(BFEE)中,9,9-二乙基芴(DEF)直接阳极氧化聚合可以获得高质量聚(9,9-二乙基芴)膜(PDEF,电导率2×10-2S.cm-1).DEF在BFEE中的起始氧化电位为1.20 VvsSCE,远低于单体在0.1 mol.L-1Bu4NBF4的CH3CN溶液中的起始氧化电位(1.70 V).在BFEE中获得的PDEF膜具有良好的电化学性质.红外光谱和1H NMR结果表明聚合反应主要发生在2,7位.     

ELECTROCHEMICAL POLYMERIZATION OF 5-CYANOINDOLE IN MIXED ELECTROLYTES OF BORON TRIFLUORIDE DIETHYL ETHERATE AND DIETHYL ETHER

High quality poly（5-cyanoindole） （P5CI） films were electrosynthesized by direct anodic oxidation of 5-cyanoindole on stainless steel sheet in the mixed electrolytes of boron trifluoride diethyl etherate （BFEE） and diethyl ether （EE） （by volume 1：1） ＋ 0,05 mol L^-1 Bu4NBF4. The film formed can be peeled off the electrode into freestanding films, The addition of EE into BFEE can improve the solubility of monomer. P5CI films obtained from this medium showed excellent electrochemical behavior with conductivity of 10^-2 S cm^-1, Structural studies showed that the polymerization of 5-cyanoindole occurred at the 2,3 position. As-formed P5CI films were thoroughly soluble in strong polar organic solvent dimethyl sulfoxide （DMSO） while partly soluble in tetrahydrofuran （THF） or acetone. Fluorescence spectral studies indicated that P5CI was a good blue-ight emitter.     

聚吲哚及其衍生物的荧光光谱

在三氟化硼乙醚及其混合电解质中,吲哚及其衍生物阳极氧化可以获得高质量的聚吲哚及其衍生物膜:聚吲哚、聚(5-甲基吲哚)、聚(5-硝基吲哚)、聚(5-氰基吲哚)、聚(5-溴吲哚).它们可溶于DMSO和THF中.聚吲哚及其衍生物具有良好的荧光性质;单体的发射光谱与取代基有关,而聚合物的发射光谱几乎不受取代基的影响.电子离域程度增大,使得聚合物的激发和发射光谱红移,宽的分子量分布则会使聚合物的激发和发射光谱变宽.     

Low potential electrochemical polymerization of diphenyl ether and characterization of its polymers

High‐quality poly(diphenyl ether) (PDPE) films with electrical conductivity of 4.4 × 10^?1 S cm^?1 were synthesized electrochemically by direct anodic oxidation of diphenyl ether (DPE) in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE) containing 5% concentrated sulfuric acid (SA) (by volume). The oxidation potential onset of DPE in pure BFEE was measured to be only 1.37 V versus a saturated calomel electrode (SCE), which was much lower than that determined in acetonitrile + 0.1 mol L^?1 tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate (1.98 V vs. SCE). The addition of SA to BFEE can further decrease the oxidation potential onset of the monomer to 1.18 V versus SCE in the mixed electrolyte of BFEE + 5% SA. PDPE films obtained from this medium showed good redox activity and stability even in concentrated SA. Dedoped PDPE films were partly soluble in the strong polar organic solvent dimethyl sulfoxide. Fluorescent spectral studies indicated that soluble PDPE was a good blue‐light emitter with a quantum yield of 0.30. Infrared spectroscopy and quantum chemistry calculations indicated that the electropolymerization of DPE occurred mainly at C₄ and C_4′. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 5932–5941, 2007     

Depolymerization of end-of-life poly(dimethylsilazane) with boron trifluoride diethyl etherate to produce difluorodimethylsilane as useful commodity

A straightforward protocol for the depolymerization of end-of-life poly(dimethylsilazane) using boron trifluoride diethyl etherate as depolymerization reagent to convert the Si-N to Si-F bonds was set-up. The application of the depolymerization reagent affords difluorodimethylsilane as major products, which can be a suitable synthon for the synthesis of new polymers (e.g., poly(dimethylsiloxanes) and allow an overall recycling of the [Me₂Si]-unit.