Date of Award
5-2016
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Chemistry
Abstract
Ferrocene is an organometallic compound that consists of an iron atom sandwiched between two cyclopentadienyl rings. It has well understood redox properties and has been extensively studied making it useful in electrical systems. In this research alternating copolymers were synthesized via free radical polymerization from 3-phenyl[5]ferrocenophane-1,5-dimethylene and various para-substituted N-phenylmaleimides. Copolymers between this ferrocenophane and N-substituted maleimides have shown interesting electrical properties and the potential for charge transfer interactions between ferrocene and maleimide moieties. In this work, four new polymers were synthesized with differing electron withdrawing or donating groups on the para-position of the N-phenylmaleimide in order to influence potential for charge transfer complex formation. These polymers were characterized using 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and FTIR spectroscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis of polymers showed them to be thermostable to approximately 380⁰C. Cyclic voltammetry of polymer solutions and thin films revealed electrochemical reversibility of the materials. UV-vis spectroscopy was used to study charge transfer complex formation. Weak absorbencies in the visible spectrum by polymer thin films suggest electrostatic interactions between ferrocenyl and maleimide moieties.
Recommended Citation
Thomas, Henry Marshall, "ELECTROCHEMICAL STUDIES OF COPOLYMERS OF 3- PHENYL[5]FERROCENOPHANE-1,5-DIMETHYLENE AND VARIOUS PARA-SUBSTITUTED N-PHENYLMALEIMIDES" (2016). Electronic Theses & Dissertations. 85.
https://digitalcommons.pittstate.edu/etd/85
