Carbon suboxide polymers.

On the basis of pyrolysis and hydrolysis measurements, we propose for the polymers of carbon suboxide (prepared with cationic, anionic and radical initiators) a structure consisting of condensed rings of α and γ-pyrone units. On thermolysis the polymer gives CO and CO2 as the sole gaseous species, with a characteristic thermal spectral pattern. By titration with bases, at least two types of acid sites have been found: they are to be ascribed to α and γ-pyrones with different hydrolysis rates. Measurements of molecular weight by VPO, in water, on the polypyranonic derivative show 6-8 monomeric units per chain. © 1986.