| Abstract: | A series of novel AB monomers such as 2-[p-carboxyphenyl]-5,6-diaminobenzimidazole hydrochloride have been synthesized. In addition, a new aromatic monomer, 1,3-diamino-4,6-bis(p-toluenesulfonamido)benzene has been prepared in high purity and substituted for 1,2,4,5-tetraaminobenzene in a polymerization with terephthalic acid. Homopolymerization of the AB monomers, and polycondensation of monomer with terephthalic acid in polyphosphoric acid, produced the rod-like para-oriented polymer, poly[1,7-dihydrobenzo(1,2-d: 4,5-d)diimidazole-2,6-diyl-1,4-phenylene]. The yellow polymer was completely soluble in methanesulfonic acid (MSA) and PPA, exhibiting intrinsic viscosities as high as 5 dl/g in MSA, and a blue opalescence in solution. Polymerization at temperatures above 225°C caused crystallization and subsequent precipitation to occur. Polymer thus obtained was completely insoluble in MSA and possessed a high degree of crystallinity as demonstrated by x-ray analysis. |
