Extended 2,2 '-bipyrroles: new monomers for conjugated polymers with tailored processability

The synthesis of 2,2 '-bipyrroles substituted at positions 5,5 ' with pyrrolyl, N-methyl-pyrrolyl and thienyl groups and their application in the preparation of conducting polymers is reported herein. The preparation of these monomers consisted of two synthetic steps from a functionalized 2,2 '-bipyrrole: Bromination of the corresponding 2,2 '-bipyrrole followed by Suzuki or Stille couplings. These monomers display low oxidation potential compared to pyrrole because of the extended length of their conjugation pathway. The resulting monomers can be polymerized through oxidative/electropolymerization. Electrical conductivity and electrochromic properties of the electrodeposited polymeric films were evaluated using 4-point probe measurements and cyclic voltammetry to evaluate their applicability in electronics.