Polymerization of aromatic nuclei. XXVI. Poly(p-phenylene): Friedel–crafts alkylation,molecular weight,and propagation mechanism

Poly(p-phenylene) was alkylated with n-propyl bromide, n-propyl chloride, and isopropyl bromide in the presence of aluminum chloride. Apparently, the reactions involve dialkylation with n-propyl halides and alternating mono- and dialkylation with isopropyl bromide. Alkylation with ethyl or n-butyl bromide was unsuccessful. The dialkylated polymer was sufficiently soluble to allow molecular weight determination. Mechanistic aspects of alkylation and propagation are treated.