3. Films formed by electro-oxidation of phenol derivatives

3.1 Polymerization mechanism

The acidic, neutral or alkaline nature of the electrolytic medium is the main parameter conditioning the nature of the species formed: in alkaline solution, when the $\text{C}—\text{O}$ coupling is not hindered by bulky ortho and/or para phenol groups (2,4 or 2,6-ditertbutyl or isopropylphenol, for example), the pathway leading to the formation of a stable aromatic polyether-type polymer is predominant. In contrast, an acidic or neutral environment favors the formation of phenoquinone-type species (figure