NOVEL REDOX POLYMERS AND THEIR USE AS POLYMERIC REAGENTS IN ORGANIC-SYNTHESIS

We have synthesized high molecular weight poly(aryl ether)s which cont ain a stable hindered biphenoxy radical in the backbone of the polymer chain. These high molecular weight biphenoxy radicals on reaction wit h methylene groups formed insoluble polymers which could not be charac terized fully. Lower molecular weight copolymers were prepared which o n reaction with molecules containing methylene groups gave soluble pol ymers with attached ether or acetal groups. Acid cleavage regenerated the original polymer containing hindered biphenol groups along with th e corresponding alcohol or aldehyde derived from the original methylen e compound.