Reactions with 1.3 propane sultone for the synthesis of cation-exchange membranes

For several reasons it is interesting for membrane technology to introduce strongly anionic groups in membranes. Therefore the possibilities of 1.3 propane sultone were studied to modify cellulose, cellulose acetate and polyacrylonitrile.The results showed that cellulose and cellulose acetate could be modified by a direct reaction of 1.3 propane sultone with the available hydroxyl groups. The nitrile groups in polyacrylonitrile had to be reacted first with hydrogen sulphide to give reactive thioamide groups, able to react with the sultone. These results give evidence for 1.3 propane sultone being a useful chemical for modification of polymers, its carcinogenic properties will however prevent applications.