Electrochemical behaviour and some characteristics of conducting polymers issued from the autoxidation of some bromopyrroles

2- and 3-bromopyrrole, and 2,5-, 2,3- and 3,4-dibromopyrrole were prepared and found to undergo a self-polymerization reaction leading to conducting polymers (called autopolymers). This reaction occurs as soon as they are pure or in concentrated solution in a neutral solvent. All these autopolymers, and especially that derived from 3-bromopyrrole, present most of the features of the classical polypyrroles. In particular, they are electroactive in common electrolytes provided a carbon paste electrode is used. A comparative study of these materials and classical polypyrroles is reported based on the physical and electrochemical characteristics of both polymers. A general structure is also proposed for the autopolymers. In addition, this unusual method of synthesis allows the autopolymers to be included in various substrates by condensation in situ. In this way composites with conductivity up to 10⁻³ S are obtainable.