Electroorganic reactions.: Part 53.: The electrosynthesis of novel water-soluble poly-(p-xylylene) (PPX) and poly(p-phenylenevinylene) (PPV) polymers and co-polymers

Controlled potential reduction at an Hg pool cathode of 2,5-bis(bromomethyl)benzenesulfonic acid, 2,5-bis(dibromomethyl)benzenesulfonic acid and the analogous benzoic acids, in aqueous solution with ammonium acetate or lithium nitrate electrolyte, is an efficient route to the corresponding water-soluble PPX and PPV polymers. Co-electrolyses of combinations of these precursors yield water-soluble random co-polymers. The polymers were primarily examined by gel-permeation chromatography, FTIR, H-1 and C-13 NMR (solution and solid state). The sulfonic acid substituted PPX forms insoluble complexes or salts with Ba2+, Fe3+ and Cu2+.