Electropolymerization of thiophene derivatized with a mesogenic substituent

The synthesis of a new mesogenic thiophene derivative is reported. The monomer, which exhibits interesting mesophase properties, contains a p‐cyanobiphenyl group that is electronically and sterically decoupled from the thiophene ring by means of an octyl spacer. Electropolymerization of this monomer produces a polymer with conjgation lenght, conductivity, and electroactivity comparable to those of poly (3‐alkylthiophenes). The use of indirect substitutional effects to control the long‐range order and dimensionality of conducting polymers is discussed.