Synthesis and properties of omega-phenylalkyl-substituted poly(p-xylylene)s prepared by base-induced 1,6-dehydrohalogenation

Reaction parameters were optimized for the synthesis of high molecular weig ht omega-phenylalkyl-substituted derivatives of poly(p-xylylene) (PPX) by b ase-induced 1,6-dehydrohalogenation of corresponding 4-halogenomethyltoluen es. Class transition temperatures decreased systematically with increasing alkyl spacer of the lateral substituent. The highest elongation at break wa s observed for the 4-phenylbutyl-substituted PPX. Level I tests on the bioc ompatibility of 4-phenylbutyl-substituted PPX indicated low toxicity.