Synthesis and characterization of some soluble conducting polyazomethine polymers

Conducting crystalline polyazomethine polymers with high solubility and low melting points have been prepared and studied. The polymers were synthesized by the polycondensation of p-phenylene diamine and 2-nitro-p-phenylene diamine with terephthaldehyde and p-diacetylbenzene. Polymers with polar functional NO2 groups and methyl side groups were found to be more soluble in common organic solvents and to possess lower melting points. The polymers were studied using IR and UV–visible spectra, elemental analyses, solubility, inherent viscosity, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and d.c. electrical conductivity.