1,2‐Dinitrile polymers. I. Hompolymers and copolymers of fumaronitrile, maleonitrile, and succinonitrile

Homopolymers and copolymers of fumaronitrile, maleonitrile, and succinonitrile have been prepared by using medium high temperature free‐radical initiators. Black, nonfusible but soluble polymers were obtained. The spectroscopic and chemical evidence indicated a structure containing α‐pyrrolenine rings and no free nitrile groups in the fumaronitrile and maleonitrile polymers and 1‐pyrroline rings and free nitrile groups in the succinonitrile polymers. The polymers possessed good thermal stability, free spin concentration of 1017–1018 spins/g, and an ac conductivity at room temperature in nitrogen of 10−6 to 10−8 ohm−1 cm−1.