Electrochemical synthesis of polymers with alternate phenothiazine and bithiophene units

An electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical study of a new monomer—N-alkyl-bis(thiophene)phenotiazine have been presented. Electrochemical polymerization of the monomer leads to a polymer with alternate phenothiazine and bithiophene units. Polymerization proceeds after bielectronic oxidation of the molecule. Monoelectronic oxidation gives a stable radical cation with spin located on phenothiazine. Electrochemical properties of the polymer depend on the thickness of the film deposited on the electrode. For thin layers one can observe a characteristic redox couple of phenothiazine oxidation to a radical cation. Analysis of the polymer behaviour and the results of spectroelectrochemical measurements indicate a mixed-type of polymer conductivity.