Achievements in the synthesis of thiophene-containing polymers

The recent trends in the synthesis, characterization, and application of thiophene-containing polymers are surveyed. This review covers methods used for the synthesis of polythiophene and thiophene-based copolymers via oxidative dehydropolycondensation as well as electrochemical and metal-catalyzed polycondensations. The synthesis of polythiophenes carrying bridge groups annelated by aromatic rings is also discussed. The data on macromolecular transformations occurring during the synthesis of polythiophene, as well as on hyperbranched, macrocyclic, and organoelement thiophene-containing polymers, are summarized.