Polymers containing cyanoimidazole pendant groups

Abstract

Dicyanoimidazole ( I ) was attached to a polystyrene backbone in order to prepare polymers containing electron-accepting pendant groups to complement the existing body of electron-donating polymers. The preparation of poly[4,5-dicyano-1-(vinylbenzyl)imidazole] ( III ), poly[4,5-dicyano-1-(vinylbenzyl)imidazole-co-9-(vinylbenzyl) carbazole] and attempted polymerization of 4,5-dicyano-1-vinylimidazole are described. Cyclic voltammetry and charge transfer studies are used to characterize the electron-accepting strength of the cyanoimidazole model compounds. These studies show that while cyanoimidazoles are moderate electron acceptors, they do not form charge transfer complexes with the donor molecules investigated.