Spectroscopic investigation of the chemical polymerization of aniline with FeCl3 in acetonitrile

Abstract

Chemical polymerization of aniline with anhydrous ferric chloride (FeCl₃) in non-acidic medium was investigated using experimental methods such as conductivity measurements, thermal analysis (TGA-DTG) UV-visible and FTIR spectroscopy. As well known, FeCl₃ is a Lewis acid, which can form complex with aniline. In the chemical polymerization, these properties of FeCl₃ are not taken into consideration. The studies indicate that FeCl₃ behaves as a Lewis acid, a substance, forming complex or oxidant material depending of the acidity of medium.