Reactions of Aniline with Copper(II) Compounds in Relation to the Formation of Copper-Polyaniline Composites

Abstract

Reactions of aniline with copper(ii) sulfate, chloride, or bromide in aqueous solution, yielded copper(ii)-aniline complexes, in contrast to previously reported studies, which claimed the formation of copper-polyaniline composites. The structure and morphology of the powder products were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. An electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) study was also carried out on the reaction products, confirming their characterization as copper(ii) compounds. None of the reaction products showed significant conductivity, and none of the copper(ii)/aniline reactions resulted in the formation of polyaniline, contrary to previous claims in the literature.