Synthesis of a novel oligoaniline: "Dumbbell-shaped" oligoaniline

A new kind of aniline oligomer with a "dumbbell" shape was synthesized through a simple oxidative coupling reaction witha new rigid aromatic amine as starting material. The oligomer was characterized with mass spectrometry, IR and NMR spectroscopies. Its redox property was checked by cyclic voltammetry and chemical oxidation/ reduction process was monitored by UV spectroscopy. We found it has a reversible electrochemical property like common oligoanilines. Combined with its well-defined structure, it is expected to act as a model compound for a molecular electronic switch.