Thieno[3,4-b]-1,4-oxathiane:: An unsymmetrical sulfur analogue of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) as a building block for linear π-conjugated systems

[GRAPHICS] An unsymmetrical analogue of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) has been synthesized by transetherification of 3,4-dimethoxythiophene. Electropolymerization leads to a stable electroactive polymer with electrochemical and electronic properties intermediate between those of the two symmetrical parent polymers poly(EDOT) and poly(3,4-ethylenedithiathiophene). Experimental work shows that the 2- and 5-positions possess a different reactivity, thus opening the possibility of synthesizing regioregular oligomers or polymers.