Interfacial anodic polymers from benzene in hydrogen fluoride

Benzene–HF mixtures containing two liquid phases exhibit unusual electrical conductivity characteristics on the addition of small amounts of H 2 O or KF. Maximum conductivity is obtained with the anode contacting the interface between the phases and the cathode either contacting the interface or situated in the HF layer. On electrolysis, with the anode contacting the interface, polymer forms as a flat horizontal plate extending out from the anode at interface level; hydrogen is evolved at the cathode. The polymer is swollen by the cell liquid, and this composite appears to conduct electricity by a nonionic mechanism, and shows directional variation of conductivity. After removal of cell liquid from the polymer deposit, the remaining polymer is infusible, insoluble, and possesses excellent heat and chemical and electrical resistance. Elementary analyses of dry polymers from water bearing systems show loss of more than 2H per C 6 H 6 molecule and introduction of variable amounts of F and O. Organic anionic complexes appear to be involved in the polymerization.