Macromolecules, Vol.45, No.15, 5842-5849, 2012
Dioxypyrrole-Based Polymers via Dehalogenation Polycondensation Using Various Electrophilic Halogen Sources
A convenient and efficient deiodination polycondensation method for the synthesis of dioxypyrrole-based (XDOP) polymers is reported. N-Halosuccinimides, iodine, and bromine were evaluated as halogenating agents to produce 2,5-halodioxypyrroles in situ via halodecarboxylation of 3,4-dioxypyrrole-2,5-dicarboxylic acids, which were then polymerized at 60 degrees C using dichloromethane or chloroform as solvent. When iodine and N-iodosuccinimide were employed as electrophilic halogen sources, the methodology produced macromolecules (M-n = 6.2-22.9 kDa) in satisfactory yields (55-71%) for two N-alkyl-3,4-dialkyloxypyrrole-based monomers that were tested. This method can be employed to produce a variety of XDOP-based homopolymers and regioregular copolymers starting from discrete oligomers under relatively mild reaction conditions.