Alternating copolymerization of cyclic germylenes with N-phenyl-p-quinoneimine via oxidation-reduction process

A new 1:1 alternating copolymerization of a five-membered, six-membered, and seven-membered cyclic germylene having a Me3Si-N group with N-phenyl-p-quinoneimine has successfully been demonstrated. The germylenes behaved as a reductant monomer whereas N-phenyl-p-quinoneimine as an oxidant monomer to give copolymers (oxidation-reduction copolymerization). In contrast to the previous observation that the copolymerization of cyclic germylenes with p-benzoquinone led to the formation of 2:1 periodic copolymers, the present copolymerization using a p-quinoneimine derivative produces all 1:1 alternating copolymers.