Poly(cyanoacetylene) has been prepared by polymerization of cyanoacetylene using a variety of late-transition-metal (Pd- and Ni-based) catalysts. The effect of reaction conditions on molecular weight and polymer yield was explored. Significant catalyst residues remain in the polymer samples. However, spectra are consistent with the proposed poly(cyanoacetylene) structure. Notable differences in molecular weight, effective conjugation length, and ability to undergo thermal cyclization to a supposed aromatic ladder polymer were observed between these polymers and those prepared using conventional anionic or radical initiators.

The enactment of the America Invents Acts (AIA) lit a fire under the feet of the patent community in 2013 when the United States instituted a "first-to-file" system. At first glance, many believed that these new laws greatly reduced the need to be diligent in keeping laboratory notebooks. However, it is still imperative to maintain laboratory notebooks, especially in view of some of the potential pitfalls associated with electronic notebooks and their use in a court of law in this post-AIA world.