Linear polythioesters. VII. Products of interfacial polycondensation of 1,4-di(mercaptomethyl)-2,3,5,6-tetramethylbenzene with some aliphatic acid dichlorides

Several polythioesters by interfacial polycondensation of 1,4-di(mercaptomethyl)-2,3,5,6-tetramethylbenzene with oxalyl, succinyl, adipoyl, suberoyl, and sebacoyl chlorides were obtained. To determine the optimal conditions for interfacial polycondensation, the influence of the following factors on yield and value of reduced viscosity were studied: type of organic phase, concentration of hydrogen chloride acceptor, the quantitative ratio of aqueous to organic phase, molar ratio of reagents; temperature of reaction, rate of acid chloride addition, and contribution of catalyst. Thorough studies were carried out only for polycondensation of the dithiol with adipoyl and sebacoyl chlorides. The structure of all polythioesters obtained under the model conditions was determined by elementary analysis and infrared spectra. Initial decomposition temperature, mass loss in percentage at the same temperature, maximum rate of decomposition, and mass loss percentage at 100–400°C were defined by thermogravimetric analyses. Chemical resistance of the polythioesters was determined by treatment with some organic solvents, mineral acids (concentrated and 10%), and sodium hydroxide (10 and 50%). Some mechanical and electrical properties of the polythioesters obtained from dithiol and adipoyl and sebacoyl chlorides were determined. The molecular weight was not measured because of the low solubility of the polythioesters.