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 (EP C) initiated by the complex of 18-crown-6 with potassium hydroxide, po tassium acetate or potassium benzoate was carried out in toluene. Thes e catalytic systems allowed polymerization of EPC at low temperature, leading to oligomers of a relatively wide range of molecular weight. D ependence of duration of the induction period and of initial polymeriz ation rate on the catalytic system have been observed. The catalytic s ystem also strongly influences the occurrence of chain transfer reacti ons. Differences in chain transfer constant have been explained by the different basicities of the active centres.