Synthesis and characterization of fluoropolymers by the polyaddition of bis(epoxide)s with dicarboxylic acids and diols

The synthesis and characterization of the fluoropolymers poly1a-1d and poly2a-2d with pendant hydroxyl groups were examined. The polyaddition of bis(epoxide)s [2,2'-bis(4-glycidyletherphenyl)hexafluoropropane and bisphenol A diglycidyl ether] with dicarboxylic acids (tetrafluoroterephthalic acid and terephthalic acid) and diols [2,2'-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane, 2,2',3,3',5,5',6,6'-octafluoro-4,4'-biphenol, 1,4-bis(hexafluorohydroxyisopropyl)benzene, and 1,3-bis(hexafluorohydroxyisopropyl)benzene] was carried out at 50-100 degreesC for 6-48 h in the presence of quaternary onium salts (tetrabutylammonium bromide, tetrabutylammonium chloride, tetrabutylphosphonium bromide, and tetrabutylphosphonium chloride; 2.5 mol %) as catalysts in dimethyl sulfoxide, N-methylpyrrolidone, dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, dioxane, diglyme, o-dichlorobenzene, chlorobenzene, and toluene to afford the corresponding polymers, poly1a-1d and poly2a-2d, with number-average molecular weights of 11,000-59,400 in 45-97% yields. The solubility of the obtained polymers was good, and their thermal stability might be assumed from their structures. A linear relationship was observed between the contents of the fluorine atoms and the refractive indices. (C) 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.