SYNTHESIS OF TERT-BUTYL-SUBSTITUTED POLY(ETHER KETONE) BY NICKEL-CATALYZED COUPLING POLYMERIZATION OF AROMATIC DICHLORIDE

tert-Butyl substituted poly (aryl ether ketone) s with relatively high molecular weights were prepared by the Ni-catalyzed polymerization Of tert-butyl substituted aromatic dichlorides containing ether ketone u nit. These polymers were amorphous and soluble in common organic solve nts, such as THF, dichloromethane, and chloroform. De-tert-butylation of the polymer by the treatment of trifluoromethanesulfonic acid in th e presence of toluene proceeded smoothly and produced crystalline poly (aryl ether ketone). (C) 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.