Cationic polyelectrolytes with aromatic segments can be synthesized by
a repetitive alkylation reaction. The structure of the products, thei
r synthesis and their solubility are described. All ionenes are not, o
r only in small amounts, water soluble. The best solubility can be ach
ieved by mixtures of polar protic and aprotic solvents. Variations of
the counterion produces sufficient solubility in THF. All ionenes show
a typical polyelectrolyte effect. The thermal stability of aromatic i
onenes and the glass transition temperature is dominated by the nature
of the counterion. The molecular weight of oligomers can be described
by using a combination of a conductive titration method and an ion se
lective electrode.