This article deals with the Kumada Catalyst Transfer Polycondensation (KCTP) of 4,7-dioctylbenzo[2,1-b:3,4-b']dithiophene (BDP-Oct) using Ni(II) catalyst or In/cat combination. A combination of MALDI MS, GPC, and P-31 NMR spectroscopy is used to reveal the failure of the KCTP of this particular monomer. Intermolecular transfer reactions to monomer appeared to prevent the formation of polymer. This result is remarkable, since isomeric benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']dithiophene polymerizes in a controlled way. The presence of a "non-aromatic double bond" in annulated monomers is discussed. (C) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.