SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF NEW CARDO POLYESTERS

New phthalide-containing bisphenols, phenolphthalein-N-(3-methylanilid e) (3-PMA), and phenolphthalein-N-(4-methylanilide) (4-PMA), were synt hesized from phenolphthalein and m- and p-toluidines. These bisphenols were polycondensed with terephthaloyl chloride (TPC) using an interfa cial or solution polymerization technique to yield new polyesters. Cop olymers were also obtained by utilizing different molar proportion of phenolphthalein (PPH) and 3-PMA or 4-PMA with TPC. The polymers prepar ed by solution polymerization were obtained in 93-99% yields and showe d reduced viscosities in the range 0.37-0.83 dL/g. They were readily s oluble in chlorinated hydrocarbons and aprotic polar solvents. The pol yesters showed glass transition temperatures in the range 261-300 degr ees C as measured by DSC. Thermogravimetric analysis of the polyesters indicated no weight loss below 408 degrees C under N-2 atmosphere. St ructure-property correlations among these cardo polyesters have been d iscussed. (C) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.