Abstract

Controlled potential reduction at an Hg pool cathode of 2,5-bis(bromomethyl)benzenesulfonic acid, 2,5-bis(dibromomethyl)benzenesulfonic acid and the analogous benzoic acids, in aqueous solution with ammonium acetate or lithium nitrate electrolyte, is an efficient route to the corresponding water-soluble PPX and PPV polymers. Co-electrolyses of combinations of these precursors yield water-soluble random co-polymers. The polymers were primarily examined by gel-permeation chromatography, FTIR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR (solution and solid state). The sulfonic acid substituted PPX forms insoluble complexes or salts with Ba²⁺, Fe³⁺ and Cu²⁺.