Electrosynthesis of poly(1,4‐phenylene) catalyzed by nickel complexes

Conjugated polymers were prepared by electroreduction of aryl dihalides in presence of nickel complexes as catalysts. For instance, poly(1,4‐phenylene) was obtained from 4,4′‐dibromobiphenyl in high yield (85%). According to the coupling mechanism and to IR spectra, the chains of the polymer are expected to have regular para‐linkages and an average length ranging from 6 to 18 phenylene units. The effects of temperature, nature of monomer, catalyst and electrolyte on the yields and on the properties of the polymer were explored.