Selective polymerization of a new bifunctional monomer via free radical polymerization and oxidative route

Abstract The synthesis and polymerization of a new bifunctional monomer, benzenaminium 4-styrenesulfonate, containing a vinyl and an anilinium group are reported. The vinyl group was polymerized via conventional free radical polymerization to produce poly(benzenaminium 4-styrenesulfonate), while the anilinium group was polymerized via oxidative polymerization to produce polyaniline emeraldine base salt. The characterization of functional groups by spectroscopic techniques and morphology by electron microscopy indicated clear differences between both polymers. Additionally, poly(benzenaminium 4-styrenesulfonate) was found to be water soluble, while polyaniline was only water dispersible. A copolymer using acrylic acid as the co-monomer (synthesized via free radical polymerization) and a polyaniline-poly(benzenaminium 4-styrenesulfonate) system (synthesized via oxidative polymerization) were obtained to show the advantage of having functional groups that polymerize by a selective route in a single monomer unit.