The anodic oxidation and polymerization of carbazoles and dicarbazoles N-substituted by polyether chains

The electrochemical oxidation of title compounds (I and II) may yield dimers or polymers according to the effective experimental conditions. The structure of dimers (coupling at the 3 position of each carbazyl unit) was fully confirmed by comparison with chemically prepared samples. Polymerization may also occur anodically. Especially with dicarbazoles (II), redox polymers were obtained. Active centers were identified as being dimer units included in the polymer matrix. Product analysis was based upon voltammetric and spectroelectrochemical data of dimers and polymers.