Modification of catechol polymer redox properties during electropolymerization in the presence of aliphatic amines

The reactions of electrogenerated 1, 2-quinoid derivatives with electroinactive ethylene diamine and its various N-methyl derivatives was investigated. This reaction led to the formation of a range of polymer films that retained redox activity when polymerized on carbon based electrodes and whose properties could be substantially modified through variations in the amine structure and the polymerization conditions employed. Possible mechanisms were investigated by electrochemical and NMR spectroscopic methods and the applicability of the technique for utilization in sensor construction is assessed. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.