Novel polyanhydrides with enhanced thermal and solubility properties

A series' of polyanhydrides based on o-, m-, and p-xylenes as derived from o- and p-hydroxybenzoic acids were synthesized by melt-condensation polymer ization. Precursors, monomers, and polymers were characterized by NMR and I R spectroscopies, elemental and thermogravimetric analyses, and thermal tra nsition temperatures. Polymers containing p-xylenes and p-hydroxybenzoic ac ids were relatively insoluble with high T-g's. In contrast, polymers contai ning o- and m-xylyl moieties based on o-hydroxybenzoic acids exhibit good s olubilities and T-g's below 100 degrees C.