Novel Gem-Dinitrile Functionalized Polyesters and Polyamides from Malononitrile: Potential Peizoelectric Materials

Novel polyamides and polyesters were synthesized via step growth dialkylation of malononitrile. Diamide and diester monomers facilitated polymerization by the attachment of chlorine to an activated position ({alpha} to carbonyl). Polymers were characterized by NMR, viscosity and thermal analysis with molecular weights ranging from 5-8K.