A Novel Class of Conjugated Polyacetylenes: Synthesis of Poly(1, 4-Dipropargyloxy-2-Butyne) by Double Ring Forming Cyclopolymerization

Abstract

A novel type of polyacetylene with double cyclic structures was synthesized by the double ring forming polymerization of 1,4-dipropargyloxy-2-butyne using transition metal catalysts. It was found that MoCl₅-based catalysts were very effective for the polymerization of linearly nonconjugated triacetylene monomer. The resulting polymer exhibited partial solubility in organic solvents such as DMSO, DMF and NMP. The structure of the products were confirmed by IR, UV-visible, and ¹H- and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. The polymers obtained were found to be amorphous and showed thermal stability up to 160°C.