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 explored. 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 polymer were observed between these polymers and those prepared using conventional anionic or radical initiators.

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