Taming the polycyclotrimerization of diynes: Synthesis of hyperbranched poly(alkenephenylenes)

Hyperbranched poly(alkenephenylene) of 1,8-nonadiyne was prepared via cyclotrimerization reaction. TaCl-Ph₄Sn was proved to be the effective catalyst and toluene to be efficient solvent to give completely soluble polymers. The hyperbranched poly(alkenephenylene) structures were confirmed by spectroscopic identification, thermal analysis, and light scattering determination. The polymers are thermal stable and possess interesting properties such as luminescence due to the unique chemical structures.