Synthesis of self-doped conducting polyaniline bearing phosphonic acid monoester

Poly(2-methoxyaniline-5-phosphonic acid monoethyl ester) (PMAPE) was synthesized via oxidative polymerization of 2-methoxyaniline-5-phosphonic acid monoethyl ester. This is the first example of the conducting self-doped polymers with phosphonic acid monoester. Self-doping of the polymer was shown by UV–vis–NIR and ESR measurements. The pyridinium salt of the thus-obtained PMAPE was water-soluble and its film exhibited conductivity.