Electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical comparison of alternated monomers and their copolymers based on carbazole and thiophene derivatives

Here we report the preparation of 3,6- bis(bithenyl)-N-decylcarbazole with low oxidation potential due to extended conjugation that underwent facile electrochemical polymerization to form stable electroactive polymer. We extended the conjugation of the monomers in comparison to the carbazole and large decrease were observed in the oxidation potential at which polymerization occurs. To lower the oxidation potential of the monomer and control the optical and electronic properties of the polycarbazole, we attached the thiophene, bithiophene and 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) at both the 3 and 6 positions of N-substituted carbazole. The monomers and their polymers were compared through electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and UV-Vis-NIR spectroelectrochemistry resulting in interesting properties. As optically active materials the CIE L*a*b chromaticity and other optical properties were observed.