Ethynyl‐terminated polyethers from new end‐capping agents: Synthesis and characterization

Abstract

Abstract Different main chain acetylene terminated polyethers with various molecular weights were prepared in a one‐step polyetherification reaction. This process requires the synthesis of new acetylene end‐capping agents, 4‐ethynyl‐4′‐fluorobenzophenone and 4‐ethynyl‐4′‐fluorodiphenyl sulfone. These reagents were prepared with good yields in a three‐step route. The thermally induced reaction of the ethynyl groups in an easy process leads to materials with improved solvent resistance and good thermostability. The fracture toughness was evaluated and was found to increase with the molecular weight of the precursor oligomers. High values were obtained, especially when 4,4′‐benzophenone and 4,4′‐diphenyl sulfone units are present in the polymer main chain.