Regioregular poly[3-(4-alkoxyphenyl)thiophene]s

An easy synthetic procedure for soluble poly[3-(4-alcoxyphenyl)thiophene]s is reported. The polymers present a high regioregularity degree as determined by both UV-vis spectra and H-1 and C-13 NMR analysis. Furthermore, X-ray powder diffraction analysis performed on films of the polymers suggests a pi-stacked packing structure of the macromolecules. Electrical characterization was performed on one of the synthesized polythiophenes on both undoped and doped (with FeCl3 or iodine) films. The conductivity and charge-carrier mobility were assessed by current-voltage and field effect measurements. Well-structured polymer films were obtained simply via spin coating from chloroform solutions and without the need of further processing, unlike other regioregular polythiophenes reported in the literature.