A series of Diels–Alder polyarylene polymers were synthesized via microwave-assisted step-growth polymerization. Optimization of 1,4-bis(2,4,5-triphenylcyclopentadienone)benzene with 1,4-diethynylbenzene using a variety of solvents, concentration, and time was achieved. The polyarylene polymers were characterized by 1H NMR, FTIR, TGA, DSC, DMA, and GPC. Thermal analysis showed little change in the series of polymers for onset of decomposition (Td = 550 °C). Polar solvents (e.g., tetrahydrofuran and nitrobenzene) worked well for microwave-assisted polymerization, however, nonpolar/aromatic solvents (e.g., toluene and xylene) also afforded lower molecular weight polyarylene polymers/oligomers. Molecular weights were monitored over time affording well over 100 kg/mol and dispersities more difficult to control in the range 1.9 to 20.1. Further work will involve scaling up the polymerization reactions and also using a variety of different monomers.

Microwave-assisted polyarylene: Synthesis, characterization, and optimization

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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