An EPR study of the reaction between poly(p-phenylene sulfide) and electron-acceptor dopants

EPR spectra for electron-acceptor doped poly(p-phenylene sulfide) are reported. The g values obtained from these spectra correspond to an electron density centered around a divalent sulfur radical cation R–S–R. This assignment is supported by corresponding EPR data from an oligomeric model compound φ–S–φ–S–φ (φ=phenyl). The g value of the sulfur-based radical cation of doped poly(p-phenylene sulfide) distinctly contrasts the nearly free electron g values obtained from EPR measurements on poly(p-phenylene) and its oligomer p-terphenyl.