ABSTRACT
Conjugated polymers have progressed structurally from homopolymers with minimal functionalization to advanced copolymers where monomers require complex syntheses. The seminal work on conductive polyacetylene in the 1970s, there has been an immense effort and numerous accomplishments in synthesis and development of conjugated polymers. Polythiophenes and derivatives were, and are, intensely studied due to the large number of structural variations and polymerizations possible, opening doors to a seemingly infinite number of potential polymers. The method implemented for polymer synthesis is largely dictated by which polymeric structure is desired. Transition metal catalyzed polycondensation reactions were a transformative addition to the synthetic toolbox for conjugated polymers, allowing for the facile and rapid preparation of many different types of the materials. The transmetalating reagent used largely defines the differences in the reactions. The electrochemical preparation of conjugated polymers, typically using anodic or oxidative polymerization techniques, is a unique method relative to others described.
