On the presence of branching in polyaniline chains

The synthesis of polyaniline via the oxidation of aniline with ammonium bisulfate in water and formic acid was monitored potentiometrically by following the yield and changes in the electric conductivity of the polymer. Three basic stages of the process were determined, including the buildup of oligomeric quinone imines, chain propagation via aniline addition of quinone imine groups, and postpolymerization. The oligomeric intermediate products, substituted quinone imines, were isolated. On the basis of IR and NMR data, the presence of tri-and tetrasubstituted aromatic groups and phenazine structural units in the polyaniline chain was revealed.