Preparation of potentially piezoelectric polymers containing multicyano functionalities and their properties

2-[p-(2′,2′,3′,3′-Tetracyanocyclopropyl)phenoxy)ethyl vinyl ether 4 was prepared by the reactions of p-(2-vinyloxyethoxy)benzylidenemalononitrile 3 with bromomalononitrile in the presence of triethylamine. Monomer 4 was polymerized with cationic initiators to obtain polymers with multicyanocyclopropane functionalities in the pendant group. The resulting polymer 5 was soluble in acetone and the inherent viscosities were in the range of 0.15-0.20 dl/g. Solution-cast films were clear and brittle with a Tg of 73°C.