Direct insights into metal-induced conductivity enhancement in conducting metallopolymers.

Conducting polymers of a Schiff-base ligand and the corresponding oxo-vanadium(IV) complex have been synthesized, characterized, and studied. The metal-free ligand polymer allows for direct comparison between the properties of the ligand polymer and corresponding conducting metallopolymer. The role of the metal centers in the conducting metallopolymer is elucidated unambiguously.