Spectroscopic Investigation of the Chemical Polymerization of Aniline with FeCl3 in Acetonitrile

Chemical polymerization of aniline with anhydrous ferric chloride (FeCl3) in non-acidic medium was investigated using experimental methods such as conductivity measurements, thermal analysis (TGA-DTG) UV-visible and FTIR spectroscopy. As well known, FeCl3 is a Lewis acid, which can form complex with aniline. In the chemical polymerization, these properties of FeCl3 are not taken into consideration. The studies indicate that FeCl3 behaves as a Lewis acid, a substance, forming complex or oxidant material depending of the acidity of medium.