Solid Phase Thermal Polymerization of Macrocyclic Bisphenol A Carbonate Tetramer Using Bisphenol A as Initiator

Abstract

ABSTRACT:Solid phase thermal ring-opening polymerization ofmacrocyclic bisphenol A carbonate tetramer using bisphenol A as initiator was investigated. To find optimum conditions for the polymerization, reactions were performed with various concentrations of bisphenol A at different temperatures and times. Under optimized conditions, colorless polymer with ultra high molecular weight (Mw > 1000000) was produced in a short time. Terminal functionalities of the polymers were investigated with the help of matrix-assisted laser disorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass analysis.

Characterization of the Polymerization Catalyst [(2,5-norbornadiene)Rh{C(Ph)═CPh2}(PPh3)] and Identification of the End Structures of Poly(phenylacetylenes) Obtained by Polymerization Using This Catalyst

“…In contrast, the termination mechanism of Rh-catalyzed acetylene polymerization has so far only been elucidated to a minor extent, presumably due to the difficulties arising from the spectroscopic analysis of polymer termini. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometric analysis of polymers can identify the structure of the polymer termini, allowing a detailed investigation of the polymerization mechanism and the effect of the termini on the polymer properties. − To the best of our knowledge, there has been no report regarding the mass spectrometric analysis of the terminal structures of substituted polyacetylenes obtained by Rh-catalyzed polymerization. Regarding the utility of the properties of substituted polyacetylenes, the elucidation of the terminal structures may give rise to the development of end-functionalized substituted polyacetylenes, leading to an even broader utilization of Rh-based polymers.…”