Synthesis and characterization of processible polyaniline containing plasticizing dendron-type dopants

Bifunctional dendrons consisting of sulfonic acid core and plasticizing peripheral groups were synthesized and used for polyaniline doping. The second generation dendrons were prepared in a two step procedure involving esterification of iminodiacetic acid, followed by the reaction of the resulting diester with sulfosuccinic acid. Plasticizing dendrons facilitate polyaniline solution processing and efficiently protonate it, despite their relatively large size (molar mass from 764 to 1100 g/mol). Their size and shape influence however the supramolecular organization of the polyaniline–dopant associations. Layered structure, clearly seen in for polyaniline protonated with first generation dendrons by X-ray diffraction, is lost for polyaniline protonated with the second generation ones. The polymer retains its film forming properties giving by casting from dichloroacetic acid solution free standing films which combine plasticized state with reasonably good conductivity from 1 to 8.5 S/cm.