Cationic Polyelectrolytes, Stable in 10 M KOHaq at 100 °C

We report on poly(arylene-imidazoliums), which were synthesized by microwave polycondensation of dialdehyde with bisbenzil and quantitatively fiinctionalized by alkylation. This cationic polyelectrolyte is sterically protected around the C2-position and is stable in 10 M KOHaq at 100 degrees C (t(1/2) of >5000 h). Alkaline stability is rationalized through analyses of model compounds, single crystal X-ray diffraction, and density functional theory. The polyelectrolytes form tough, pliable, transparent, ionically conductive films.