Synthesis and electrical conductivity of AsF5-doped poly(arylene vinylenes)

SummaryA series of polymers containing 2,5-disubstituted phenylene vinylene units, and the polymer containing 1,4-naphthalene vinylene units, were prepared by polymerization of their bis(sulfonium salts) through a base elimination reaction in solution. Films of these polymers were cast from aqueous solution and chemically treated (doped) with AsF5 vapor. The electrically conductivities of the doped films varied greatly with changes in polymer structure, with the highest value obtained of 1.8 ohm−1 cm−1 for poly (2,5-dimethoxyphenylene vinylene).