FACILE SYNTHESIS OF POLY(PHENYLCARBYNE) - A PRECURSOR FOR DIAMOND-LIKE CARBON

A facile synthesis of poly(phenylcarbyne), which was recently reported as a novel polymer precursor to diamondlike carbon or diamond carbon films, is reported. The synthesis is based on a polymerization mediate d by highly reactive metals, such as Rieke calcium, strontium, or bari um. The reaction of 1.0 equiv of alpha,alpha,alpha-trichlorotoluene wi th 1.5 equiv of Rieke calcium in THF under argon at -78-degrees-C to r eflux temperature gives poly(phenylcarbyne) with 46% yield. Using Riek e strontium or barium gives the same product with a yield of 42%.