New polymer syntheses: XV. Synthesis and characterization of new polyketoamine polymers containing ether or thioether linkages in the main chain

An interesting new class of linear polyketoamine polymers containing ether or thioether linkages in the main chain has been synthesized by solution polycondensation of 4,4'-bis(chloroacetyl)diphenyl ether (I), 4,4'-bis(chloroacetyl)diphenyl sulfide (II) and 4,4'-bis(chloroacetyl)diphenyl sulfone (III) with various aliphatic and aromatic diamines. The model compounds IV, V and VI were synthesized from the monomers I, II and III with aniline in dry benzene and their structures were confirmed by elemental and spectral analyses. The resulting polymers were characterized by elemental and spectral analyses, as well as by solubility and viscometry measurements. The thermal properties were evaluated by TGA and DSC and correlated to their structural units. X-ray analysis showed that the polymers had some degree of crystallinity in the region 2 theta = 5 degrees to 60 degrees. The UV-visible spectra of some selected polymers were measured in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) solution and showed absorption bands in the range 260-475 nm, due to n-pi* and pi-pi* transition. In addition, the morphological properties of selected examples were tested by SEM, and the electrical properties of these polymers were measured. (c) 2005 Society of Chemical Industry.