Quantum-chemical modeling of polypyrrole structure in neutral complexes with electron density acceptors

Quantum chemical approach has been applied for modeling the change in the conformation of the polypyrrole (PPy) chain both in its neutral and positively charged (doped) states due to its interaction with incorporated counterions. Polymer has been modeled by oligopyrrole molecule of 9–15 monomer units. It is shown that it is energetically favorable to reorient the pyrrole rings closest to the anion from trans to cis position. This reorientation leads to the formation of meanders which include 3–5 pyrrole rings per loop. Reduction in the loop size decreases the energy of interaction with the ion while an increase in the loop size reduces the number of attached ionic species accompanied by a slight change in their interaction energy with the PPy chain. The observed effect of polymer chain structuring in the presence of anions is proposed as a possible reason explaining the experimentally recorded broadening of the electroactivity potential region and the conductive state of the polypyrrole film on the electrode surface as a result of multiple repetitions of charge/discharge cycles of the polymer chain. Vibrational spectra of oligopyrrole complexes have been calculated, and prospects for experimental detection of predicted conformational states by IR spectroscopy are assessed.