Abstract: A variety of Schiff base ligands have been synthesized in an effort
to study the coordination chemistry of these ligands when reacted with various
metal salts. By varying the structural features of the ligand as well as the
synthetic route used to make the corresponding metal complexes, a number of
different structural motifs have been observed. Schiff base ligands were chosen
due to their ease of synthesis as well as their ability to bind a variety of
metal salts. These complexes serve as model systems for and precursors to
monomers for the preparation of conducting metallopolymers. Further
functionalization of the Schiff base ligand with bithiophene end groups has
resulted in electropolymerizable monomers. When polymerized these monomers give
conducting metallopolymers which can then be used for a variety of
applications. The products were characterized by multinuclear NMR, UV-Vis, and
IR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. Solid-state structures were determined
by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Electropolymerization yielded
novel conducting polymers with embedded metals.
Keywords: Schiff base ligands, conducting metallopolymers, electropolymerization
