Electrosynthesis of new polysilynes: poly(methylsilyne) and poly(cyclohexylsilyne-co-methylsilyne)

The electrochemical synthesis and optical properties of poly(methylsilyne) and a series of poly(cyclohexylsilyne-co-methylsilyne) network copolymers a re described. The new polymers, which are not accessible via the Wurtz coup ling reaction, are prepared by electrochemical reduction of methyltrichloro silane, or mixtures of the monomers methyltrichlorosilane and cyclohexyltri chlorosilane, utilizing copper electrodes in a one-compartment cell. The po lymers have optical properties expected for polymers in this class of mater ials. The poly(methylsilyne) is proposed as a potential soluble precursor f or SiC. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.