Abstract: A process for producing polymers of .alpha.,.omega.-unsaturated conjugated compounds, comprising reacting a precursor monomer of the formula I, ##STR1## wherein P denotes --SR.sup.3, --SO--R.sup.3, --SO.sub.2 --R.sup.3, --COOR.sup.3, --NO.sub.2, --CN, --CF.sub.3 or R.sup.3 ; L denotes --Cl, --Br, --I, --O-tosylate, --O-mesylate, --O-triflate, --(NR.sup.3.sub.3).sym. or --(SR.sup.3 R.sup.4).sym.; R.sup.1,R.sup.2 are the same or different and denote H, R.sup.3 or P; R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and A are as defined in the application. This reaction is characterized in that, on reaction of the base with the compound of the formula (I), a polymer is formed which is essentially soluble in said solvent, and a salt is formed as a by-product, which is essentially soluble in the solvent. That solvent comprises a compound selected from the group consisting of a) amides of the general formula (II) R.sup.5 --CO--NR.sup.6 H; b) amines of the general formula (III) R.sup.7.sub.2 --N--R.sup.8 ; c) sulfones of the general formula (IV) R.