The Evolution of Structure During The Alkali Metal Doping of Polyacetylene and Poly(p-Phenylene)

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Abstract
The progression of phases which evolve during the alkali metal doping of polyacetylene and poly(p-phenylene) is examined using newly developed structure concepts, crystal packing analysis, and diffraction and electrochemical data. At least for alkali metals larger than Li+, at dopant concentrations above a few percent the alkali metal ions aggregate in columns within the host polymer lattice. Structural variations result for polyacetylene both from the degree these columns are filled and the chain-to-column ratio. More limited phase variation results for poly(p-phenylene), where 2,3, and 4 chain/column structures are observed, but the metal-metal spacing within the columns is fixed. Structural models are presented for the 2 chain/column complex of poly(p-phenylene) and the 3 chain/column complexes of K and Rb doped trans polyacetylene.