Synthesis and characterization of a new conjugated polymer: Polytrifluoromethylacetylene

Polytrifluoromethylacetylene (PTFMA) was synthesized from trifluoromethylacetylene (TFMA) using a PdCl₂/DMF catalyst solution or the anionic initiator n-butyl lithium. Although PdCl₂ proved to be an effective catalyst for the polymerization of TFMA, long reaction times and poor yields made characterization of the resultant polymer difficult. The use of n-butyl lithium, on the other hand, resulted in high yields of PTFMA in relatively short reaction times. The results of thermal analysis and the effects of n- and p-type doping on the electrical conductivity of the polymer are discussed.