Polyurethanes containing carboxylate groups were synthesized by using
phenolphthalins as chain extenders. The resulting polymers were conver
ted into ionomers by treating with metal acetates. The diols and polyu
rethanes were characterized by both Fourier transform nuclear magnetic
resonance (FTn.m.r.) and Fourier transform infra-red (FTi.r.) spectro
scopy. The thermal stabilities of the diols and polymers were analysed
by thermogravimetric analysis.