CYCLOPOLYMERIZATION OF 4,4-DIPHENOXY-1,6-HEPTADIYNE BY TRANSITION-METAL CATALYSTS

Cyclopolymerization was carried out by various catalyst systems. MoCl5-based catalyst systems are more effective for the polymerization of 4,4-diphenoxy-1,6-heptadiyne than WCl6-based catalyst systems. Polymerization of 4,4-diphenoxy-1,6-heptadiyne leads to soluble, purple colored polymer with number average molecular weight (Mn) of 3.6x10(4)-5.2x10(4). H-1- and C-13-MNR, IR, and UV-visible spectra of the resulting polymer indicated that poly(4,4-diphenoxy-1,6-heptadiyne) possesses a polyene structure presumably with cyclic recurring units in the polymer backbone. Poly(4,4-diphenoxy-1,6-heptadiyne) had good thermal and oxidative stability, and good solubility in organic solvents. The electrical conductivity of iodine-doped polymer was 10(-3)-10(-2) S/cm.