Silyl-Carborane Hybridized Diethynylbenzene–Silylene Polymers

Abstract

Carborane hybridized silicon polymers were synthesized by a hydrosilylation reaction between diethynyl-benzene–silylene polymers with reactive vinyl side groups and 1,7-bis(dimethylsilyl)carborane or 1,7-bis(diphenylsilyl) carborane. These silicon polymers demonstrate good molding properties, similar to those of organic polymers. Thermal treatment of these hybrid polymers gives them excellent thermal and mechanical stability. Precise nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies showed that the structure of these polymers was quite complicated, containing a variety of unreacted vinyl groups, pendant carborane groups and crosslinking. These unreacted moieties seemed to act as a closslinkable thermosetting feature that contributed to the formation of a more stable polymer.