Electrochemical synthesis of poly(1,4‐phenylene) films

Homogeneous films of poly(1,4-phenylene) (PPP) can be deposited on various materials by electro-reduction of 4,4′-dibromobiphenyl in presence of a nickel complex catalyst. UV and IR spectra indicate that the polymer has a regular structure (exclusively 1,4-phenylene units) and an unusual average molecular weight. The nascent PPP films are obtained in their neutral from and can be either reduced or oxidized.