Poly(Aryl Ether)s from a Novel Biphenol Monomer Containing a Dicyanoarylene Group

Abstract

The preparation of a novel biphenol, 1,4-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2,3-dicyanonaphthalene, from phenolphthalein is described. This biphenol was prepared in high yield in a four-step reaction sequence. The biphenol can be polymerized with activated dihalides such as 1,2-bis-(4-fluorobenzoyl)-3,4,5,6-tetraphenylbenzene, bis(4-fluorophenyl) sulfone, and 4,4′-dichlorobenzophenone to give high molecular weight amorphous poly(aryl ether)s. The polymers have glass transition temperatures ranging from 284 to 319°C and are easily cast into flexible, colorless, and transparent films. The 5% weight loss temperatures of these polymers, by thermogravimetric analysis in air and nitrogen, are all above 500°C.