Electrochemical studies of ferrocene and maleimide containing alternating copolymers

Copolymers from vinylferrocene and 3-phenyl[5]ferrocenophane with N-ethyl and N-phenylmaleimide were electrochemically characterized. The deposition method of the polymer onto the electrode by oxidative deposition or cast film was studied and showed that films produced by cast film exhibited a greater electrochemical response. The oxidation potentials of these materials were dependent on supporting electrolyte when using NaClO4, NaNO3 or phosphate buffered saline, varying from 0.46 to 0.53 for oxidative deposited films and 0.35 to 0.43 V for cast films. Also, multiple redox waves were observed in the cyclic voltammograms of these materials at a pH of 1. Molecular modeling showed a low energy conformation with the ferrocenyl moiety in close proximity to the maleimide.