Preparation of water soluble polythiophenes mediated by highly active zinc

Abstract

A convenient route for the preparation of water soluble polythiophenes is described. Reactions involving highly active zinc metal show unique properties, viz. tolerance of the ester group and regioselectivity to the thiophene ring. Poly [3-(ethyl-n-alkanoate)thiophene-2,5-diyl]s, poly [3-(n-carboxyalkyl)thiophene-2,5-diyl]s, and poly [3-(potassium-n-alkanoate)thiophene-2,5-diyl]s were easily prepared by utilizing highly active zinc.