The effect of Pd(II) coordination on the properties of an alkylsulfanyl substituted polythiophene. Comparison with the corresponding monomer

The synthesis of a conducting polymer partially coordinated with Pd(II) ions is reported. The aim is to study the influence of the metal on the properties of the material as a whole, which is very appealing for possible applications in the field of amperometric sensors. An alkylsulfanyl substituted polythiophene is used in this first approach, due to the well known affinity of the sulfur atom for soft metals. The interaction between the organic and inorganic moieties results in the easy formation of partially coordinated polymer. The presence of the metal ions is found to affect the chemical, physical, and electrochemical properties of the organic macromolecules, owing to interactions between the polymer pi-conjugation system and the metal d orbitals. Synthesis and characterisation of the relevant monomer complex helps to better understand the behaviour of the complex polymer-metal system.