POLYMERS FROM 2,5-DIFLUOROTEREPHTHALIC ACID .2. POLY(ARYLENE ETHER)S CONTAINING PENDANT BENZOYL GROUPS

Poly(arylene ether)s (9) containing pendant benzoyl groups were prepar ed by the aromatic substitution reaction of 2,5-difluoro-4-benzoylbenz ophenone (7) with bisphenol (8) in the presence of potassium carbonate in N,N-dimethylacetamide. The polycondensation proceeded smoothly at 170 degrees C and produced the desired poly(arylene ether)s with inher ent viscosities up to 0.79 dl/g. The polymers were quite soluble in co mmon organic solvents and can be processed into uniform films from sol utions. The thermogravimetry of the polymers showed excellent thermal stability, 10% weight losses above 450 degrees C in nitrogen atmospher e. The glass-transition temperatures of the polymers were 138-158 degr ees C.