Synthesis of Soluble Poly(thio-2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene) by Oxidative Polymerization of Bis(3,5-dimethylphenyl) Disulfide

Article abstract of DOI:10.1246/bcsj.65.2029

Poly(thio-2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene) has been prepared by the oxidative polymerization of bis(3,5-dimethylphenyl) disulfide.The obtained polymer is amorphous and soluble in common organic solvents.The properties of the polymer are similar to those of poly(oxy-2,6-dimethyl-1,6-phenylene), rather than poly(thio-1,4-phenylene) (PPS).The polymer is obtained as a high molecular weight substance compared with other substituted or non-substituted PPS derivatives by the oxidative polymerization.The polymer containing a disulfide bond, whose structure was confirmed by the reduction of the polymer, acts as an initiator of radical polymerization.