Preparation of conducting copolymers by oxidative electropolymerization of 2,2′-bithiophene with pyrrole

Various feed ratios of 2,2′-bithiophene (BT) and pyrrole (PY) were electropolymerized to low conversion and the polymers analyzed for their mer ratios. The polymeric product was rich in polypyrrole (PPY), but the composition could be varied by control of the electrode potential. The increase in BT content is not linear with composition, and the physical evidence indicates oxidative copolymerization and not the formation of the two homopolymers. The data can be interpreted on a copolymerization equation despite the absence of steady state conditions. Sets of reactivity ratios were determined for the polymers formed at two potentials. The electrical efficiencies for polymer formation approach stoichiometric values for oxidative polymerization.