Polymerization of Diisocyanobenzenes Bearing Alkoxy Side Chains

Significance

This work describes the syntheses of 4,5-dialkoxy-3,6-dimethyl-1,2-diisocyanobenzenes and their subsequent polymerization using organonickel/organopalladium complexes. The living nature of the polymerization affords polymers with narrow polydispersities that are soluble even at relatively high molecular weights due to alkoxy side chains. All of the resulting polymers exhibit liquid-crystalline-type thermal transitions and are stable up to 300 ˚C. The authors also report the synthesis of non-racemic polyquinoxalines using a chiral organonickel catalyst.