H. Higashimura et al., 'Radical-controlled' oxidative polymerization of o-cresol catalyzed by mu-(2)(eta):(2)(eta)-peroxo dicopper(II) complex, APP CATAL A, 194, 2000, pp. 427-433
Described is an oxidative polymerization of o-cresol catalyzed by (1,4,7-tr
iisopropyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane)copper complex, from which a mu-eta(2) :
eta(2): eta(2)-peroxo dicopper(II) complex is formed under dioxygen. This
complex reacts with o-cresol to give 'controlled' phenoxy radical-copper(I)
complex exclusively without formation of 'free' phenoxy radicals. The resu
lting polymer was composed mainly of 2-methyl-1,4-phenylene oxide unit and
showed high thermal stability. The polymerization catalyzed by (N,N,N',N'-t
etramethylethylenediamine)copper complex,a typical-catalyst for 2,6-dimethy
lphenol polymerization, gave the polymer containing larger amounts of o-lin
kage structures and quinone moieties, (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B,V. All ri
ghts reserved.