ORGANOGERMANIUM POLYMERS - PYROLYSIS CHEMISTRY OF POLY[(GERMYLENE)DIACETYLENES]

The pyrolysis of poly[(germylene)diacetylenes] and y{[germylene)diacet ylene][(silylene)diacetylenes]} was studied under argon. The ceramic r esidues were obtained in good yield (66-82%) due to cross-linking thro ugh the triple bonds at relatively low temperatures (150-250 degrees C ) which gave a carbon sp(2) matrix with disubstituted organogermyl and /or silyl groups. The ceramic residues contained a high amount of carb on (40-61%) and all the germanium was recovered as metallic germanium above 500 degrees C. Pyrolysis of poly[(germylene)diacetylenes] under ammonia gave germanium nitride after cross-linking and nitridation bet ween 400 and 600 degrees C.