Polymers composed of macromolecules containing exclusively silicon atoms in the backbone:
where
\(\ce{R^{1}}\) and
\(\ce{R^{2}}\) are each hydrogen or an alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl group (structure-based polymer class name).
Notes: - Polysilanes were earlier named polysilylenes. A use of this term is discouraged.
- Polysilanes are \(\upsigma\)-conjugated polymers which show a good photoconductivity, however, they degrade when exposed to UV light.
Source:
PAC, 2022, 94, 15. 'Glossary of terms relating to electronic, photonic and magnetic properties of polymers (IUPAC Recommendations 2021)' on page 60 (https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2020-0501)