POLYMERIZATION OF 1-ETHYNYLCYCLOHEXENE BY TUNGSTEN AND MOLYBDENUM-EASED CATALYSTS

1-Ethynylcyclohexene, an acetylene derivative having cyclohexenyl subs tituent, was polymerized by various W- and Mo-based catalysts. WCl6-Et AlCl(2) catalyst system was found to be very effective for this polyme rization. The effects of the monomer-to-catalyst mol ratio, the initia l monomer concentration, the temperature, and the cocatalysts for the polymerization of 1-ethynylcyclohexene by WCl6 were investigated. The catalytic activity of Mo-based catalysts was found to be similar to th at of W-based catalysts. The polymer structure was identified to have a conjugated polymer backbone carrying a cyclohexenyl substituent. The resulting polymers were light-brown powder and completely soluble in aromatic and halogenated hydrocarbon solvents such as chlorobenzene, b enzene, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, etc. Studies of the thermal properties and morphology of poly(1-ethynylcyclohexene) were also carr ied out. (C) 1995 John Wiley and Sons, Inc.