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

Abstract

Abstract 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-1,4-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.