Anionic polymerization of <i>N</i>‐ethyl‐2‐vinylcarbazole and <i>N</i>‐ethyl‐3‐vinylcarbazole

Abstract

Abstract The polymerization of N ‐ethyl‐2‐vinylcarbazole and N ‐ethyl‐3‐vinylcarbazole by an anionic mechanism has been demonstrated. Polymerization reactions were monitored by ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy and λ max and ε values for the propagating carbanions determined. The 2‐vinyl monomer exhibits all the features of a standard “living” polymer; the carbanion is stable at ambient temperatures and high molecular weight, M̄ n ≃ 10 6 , narrow distribution polymers and block copolymers with styrene have been prepared. The carbanion from the 3‐vinyl monomer is much less stable and a clean polymerization can only be conducted at temperatures below ‐60°C. A comparison of the anionic polymerization characteristics of the N ‐, 2‐, and 3‐vinyl carbazole monomer series is presented.