Polymerization of Bis(Pyridine)bis-(2,4,6-tribromophenoxo)copper(II) Complex (Py2Cu(TBrP)2) by Electrooxidation and Structural Characterization by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and FTIR Spectroscopies

Electroinitiated polymerization of bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxo)- bis(pyridine)copper(II) complex was achieved in dimethylformamide-tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate solvent-electrolyte couple under air or nitrogen at room temperature by constant potential electrolysis. Polymerization conditions were based on the peak potentials measured by cyclic voltammetry. The structural analyses of the polymers were done by 1 H-NMR, 13 C-NMR, and FTIR spectral analyses along with molecular weight measurements by cryoscopy. The poly(dibromo phenylene oxide)s obtained only at oxidation potentials in either atmosphere were found to be highly linear, indicating mainly 1,4-catenation was taking place.