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 Me 3 Si-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.