Substituted Polyacetylenes Prepared with Rh Catalysts: From Linear to Network-Type Conjugated Polymers

The Rh based catalysts are efficient and versatile tool for the polymerization of monomers containing terminal ethynyl group(s) in the molecule. They exhibit high tolerance to the reaction medium and monomer functional groups and produce polyacetylenes of high microstructure uniformity. Main types of Rh based catalysts including those immobilized on both organic and siliceous supports were reviewed. The following architecture types of polyacetylenes are feasible using these catalysts: (i) linear polyacetylenes with pendants of various functionality and bulkiness, (ii) branched polyacetylenes, and (iii) highly cross-linked polyacetylene networks. The networks prepared from diethynylarenes exhibit microporous/mesoporous texture and considerable gas adsorption capacities.