Preparation of poly(cyanoacetylene) using late-transition-metal catalysts

Poly(cyanoacetylene) has been prepared by polymerization of cyanoacetylene using a variety of late-transition-metal (Pd- and Ni-based) catalysts. The effect of reaction conditions on molecular weight and polymer yield was exp lored. Significant catalyst residues remain in the polymer samples. However , spectra are consistent with the proposed poly(cyanoacetylene) structure. Notable differences in molecular weight, effective conjugation length, and ability to undergo thermal cyclization to a supposed aromatic ladder polyme r were observed between these polymers and those prepared using conventiona l anionic or radical initiators.