| Abstract: | 4-Aminophthalic acid has been polymerized in almost quantitative yield to low molecular weight polymer by electrochemical initiation at a platinum anode. Systems involving the acid, amine salt, and the ammonium salt have been explored; the acid and/or the amine salt of the acid provides the best means of obtaining polymer. Maximum molecular weight is attained in a very short time at low current densities (～2 hr at 50 mA). Thermogravimetric data indicate a temperature stability comparable to polyamide-imide polymers (400°C). Long reaction times and high current densities decrease molecular weight and polymer yield. |
