Efficient synthesis of 3,6-dialkoxythieno[3,2-b]thiophenes as precursors of electrogenerated conjugated polymers

Abstract

A series of 3,6-dialkoxythieno[3,2-b]thiophenes have been synthesized through three synthetic pathways. Symmetrical derivatives have been obtained from 3,6-dibromothieno[3,2-b]thiophene or by trans-etherification of 3,6-dimethoxythieno[3,2-b]thiophene while unsymmetrical derivatives have been easily prepared from the readily accessible dimethyl 3-hydroxythiophene-2,5-dicarboxylate. These compounds have been used as precursors for electropolymerisation and a first characterisation of the electronic properties of the resulting polymers is presented.