Synthesis of High Molecular Weight Poly(<i>p</i>-benzamide)s

Abstract

The polymerization of aromatic para-amino acid ester derivatives was studied using model compounds. Mechanistic and kinetic experiments led to the discovery of some side reactions. Finally, high molecular weight poly( p -benzamide)s were synthesized and characterized. The use of highly reactive pentafluorophenol ester lead to polymers up to molecular weights of around 50 000 Da. Poly(benzamides) carrying both N -alkyl or N -benzyl groups on the amine could be polymerized to high molecular weight.