Thiophene containing Schiff bases oligomers and polymers. Synthesis, characterization and properties

By reaction of the 2,5-dicarboxaldehyde and certain 2,5-diketo derivatives of thiophene and 3-alkylthiophenes with hydrazine in toluene, we have obtained a new family of air-stable polymeric azines. Oligomers and polymers were separated by extraction with different solvents and characterized by molecular weight determinations, vibrational and electronic spectroscopy and thermal analysis. A major feature of the polymers containing butyl groups is their complete solubility, the other materials being insoluble in the common solvents to a large extent.