Ionic association in poly (propylene oxide) complexed with divalent metal trifluoromethanesulfonate salts

The ionic species present in poly (propylene oxide) complexed with magnesium, calcium, zinc and cadmium trifluorometha-nesulfonate salts have been studied using infrared and Raman vibrational spectroscopy. Highly associated ionic species are observed in all complexes, with only small concentrations of “free” ions in the magnesium and calcium complexes. The ionic conductivities have been measured and are discussed in terms of the cation-polymer and cation-anion interactions.