| Abstract: | A rapid dechlorination method of N-chloro poly(hexamethylene adipamide) and N-chloro poly(ε-caprolactam) to the corresponding polyamides was studied. This method can be used for molecular weight determinations of N-chloro polyamides by viscosimetric measurements. The dechlorination was achieved in formic acid solution by the reaction of N-chloro polyamides with trialkyl phosphites. The reaction was exothermic and vigorous and was applied to a series of products of various degrees of N-chlorination covering the range of 0–100%. No N—Cl was detected by iodimetric titration of the dechlorination products. The dechlorination of N-chloro polyamides was demonstrated by infrared (IR) spectroscopy. No significant molecular weight reduction except that taking place in the N-chlorination reaction of poly(hexamethylene adipamide) was observed. |
