A facile synthesis of a novel triptycene-containing A-B monomer: precursor to polymers of intrinsic microporosity

A new synthetic approach affords the first example of a triptycene-containing A-B monomer bearing both phenazine activating aromatic o-dichloride and a catechol group which can be used for the synthesis of a novel polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM) has been developed. The new polymer was characterized by GPC, IR, and (1)H NMR, elemental analysis and demonstrated good porosity, thermal stability and solubility in common organic solvents such as chloroform from which a self-supporting and transparent film could be cast.