POLYMERIZATION OF 9-(2,3-EPOXYPROPYL)CARBAZOLE WITH COMPLEXES OF POTASSIUM COMPOUNDS AND 18-CROWN-6

Homogeneous anionic polymerization of 9-(2,3-epoxypropyl)carbazole (EPC) initiated by the complex of 18-crown-6 with potassium hydroxide, potassium acetate or potassium benzoate was carried out in toluene. These catalytic systems allowed polymerization of EPC at low temperature, leading to oligomers of a relatively wide range of molecular weight. Dependence of duration of the induction period and of initial polymerization rate on the catalytic system have been observed. The catalytic system also strongly influences the occurrence of chain transfer reactions. Differences in chain transfer constant have been explained by the different basicities of the active centres.