Terephthalaldehyde- and isophthalaldehyde-based polyspiroacetals

Abstract

Condensations of polyhydroxyl monomers with terephthalaldehyde or isophthalaldehyde give the corresponding polyspiroacetals. The effects of various dialdehydes and multihydroxy monomers on the properties of the resulting polymer have been examined. Model compounds were synthesized by the condensation of multihydroxy monomers with benzaldehyde. The model compounds and polymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The proposed polymer structure is supported by the solid-state CPMAS C-13 NMR spectrum of the model compound. The synthesized polyspiroacetals are thermally stable, have a high degree of chemical stability and are soluble in hexafluoroisopropanol. Polymer Journal (2012) 44, 217-223; doi:10.1038/pj.2011.126; published online 14 December 2011