An efficient synthesis of 1-methyl-2-ethynyl-4, 5-dicyanoimidazole via Sonogashira coupling is described. Our optimized method generates 1-methyl-2-ethynyl-4, 5-dicyanoimidazole in almost 80% yield from 1-methyl-2-bromo-4, 5-dicyanoimidazole. Syntheses of the ethyl, propyl, and p-methoxybenzyl derivatives of 2-ethynyl-4, 5-dicyanoimidazole are also reported. The polymerization of 1-methyl-2-ethynyl-4, 5-dicyanoimidazole with transition- ...