MECHANISM RESEARCH OF COPPER(II)-CATALYZED POLYMERIZATION OF 2,4,6-TRICHLOROPHENOLS

The copper(II)-catalyzed polymerization of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol and 2 ,4,6-trichloro-3-methylphenol were studied. Their polymer structures w ere confirmed by elemental analysis, infrared (IR), and nuclear magnet ic resonance (NMR). The 2,4,6-trichlorophenoxo-copper(II) complex and 2,4,6-trichloro-3-methylphenoxo-copper(II) complex intermediates were isolated. The elemental analysis and electron spin resonance (ESR) mea surement of the phenoxo-copper(II) complexes were discussed in relatio n to their structures. Decem position of the phenoxo-copper(II) comple x in refluxing benzene yielded poly(dichlorophenylene oxide). ESR meas urements on the phenoxo-copper(II) complex in the solid state at 120 d egrees C indicated that the phenoxy radical was generated during the p eriod of decomposition and the intensity of the ESR spectra based on t he copper(II) ion decreased with the measurement time. A single-electr on transfer reaction mechanism was proposed for the phenoxo-copper(II) complex intermediate. (C) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.