Synthesis of thermally stable, wholly aromatic polyketones with 2,2′-dimethoxy-1,1′-binaphthyl-6,6′-diyl units through nanosized-palladium-cluster-catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura coupling polymerization

Wholly aromatic polyketones with 2,2′-dimethoxy-1,1′-binaphthyl-6,6′-diyl units in the main chains were synthesized through Suzuki-Miyaura coupling polymerization catalyzed by nanosized palladium clusters, which were easily prepared from Pd(OAc)2, PPh3, K2CO3, and Bu4NOAc in 1,4-dioxane. The resulting polyketones have both high thermal stability (high Tg) and solubility in common organic solvents, such as CHCl3 and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF). Flexible and pale brown films were obtained by casting from a CHCl3 solution.