| Abstract: | In an attempt to synthesize soluble polymers, diphenyl 1,5-anthraquinonedicarboxylate was treated with 3,3′-dimercaptobenzidine and 3,3′-diaminobenzidine under various conditions. Although the ester reacted readily, side reactions prevented the formation of high molecular weight compounds. It was thought that at the elevated temperatures required for reaction, the quinone group was involved in a type of Schiff's base formation. The thermal stability of the polymers was evaluated. Model compounds were prepared and their absorption spectra were compared with those of the polymers. It was observed that 1,5-anthraquinonebibenzimidazole-2 formed a stable product with acetic acid. Some of the polymers could be solubilized by reduction with sodium dithionite in alkali, but no useful fibers were produced from these solutions. |
