To address the insolubility problem of polyketones, we used an approach to high molecular
weight wholly aromatic polyketones without ether linkages via soluble precursors derived from
isophthaldehyde-based bis(aminonitrile)s. Polymerization of bis(α-aminonitrile)s with activated dihalides
using NaH as base in DMF yielded soluble, high molecular weight poly(aminonitrile)s, which were
hydrolyzed in acidic conditions to produce the corresponding aromatic polyketones without ether linkages
or alkyl substituents in the polymeric backbones. These polyketones displayed excellent thermal properties
and solvent resistance. For the synthesis of poly(aminonitrile)s and polyketones containing ether linkages
in the polymeric backbone, only low to medium molecular weight polymers were obtained. Model studies
proved that the carbanions of the aminonitriles reacted with ether linkages to form more stable phenoxide
anions and cause the termination of the polymerization.
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