Catalytic polymerization of phenylacetylene with dimeric [Rh(OMe)(cod)]2 complex in ionic liquids

Dimeric rhodium(I) complex [Rh(OMe)(cod)]₂ was found to be an active catalyst of phenylacetylene polymerization to poly(phenylacetylene) (PPA) in ionic liquids containing imidazolium or pyridinium cations. The highest yield of PPA (92%) was obtained in 1‐butyl‐4‐methylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate as reaction medium. The yield of PPA in imidazolium ionic liquids containing BF₄^? or PF₆^? anions increased to 83–99% when Et₃N or cycloocta‐1,5‐diene were added as co‐catalysts. In 1‐methyl‐3‐octylimidazolium chloride (MOI · Cl) polymerization rate was much lower than in other ionic liquids, although the highest M_w (72 400) was obtained. Spectroscopic studies confirmed that [Rh(OMe)(cod)]₂ reacted with MOI · Cl forming new carbene Rh(I) complex, which can participate in the polymerization process. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.