Polymerization of 2-(chlorinated methyl)-4-methylene-1,3-dioxolanes

The polymerizations of the novel 2-(chlorinated methyl)-4-methylene-1,3-dioxolanes derived from mono-, di-, and trichloroacetaldehyde were investigated. Poly-2-trichloromethyl-4-methylene-1,3-dioxolane was of particular interest because of its high hydrolytic stability and nonflammability. The monomers could be polymerized with cationic catalysts via the methylene functions without cleavage of the dioxolane rings. This selectivity was due to the acetal-stabilizing negative substituents and to the use of Lewis acid complexes of low reactivity as catalysts. In contrast to previously reported poly-4-methylene-1,3-dioxolanes, the title polymers were high-melting colorless solids of good to excellent fire resistance.