| Abstract: | The new linear polyesters containing sulfur in the main chain were obtained by melt polycondensation of diphenylmethane-4,4′-di(methylthiopropionic acid) with ethanediol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-butanediol, and 2,2′-oxydiethanol. Low-molecular weights, low-softening temperatures and, very good solubility in organic solvents are their characteristics. The structure of all polyesters was determined by elemental analysis, FT-IR and 1H-NMR spectroscopy, and x-ray diffraction analysis. The thermal behavior of these polymers was examined by differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The kinetics of polyesters formation by uncatalyzed melt polycondensation was studied in a model system: diphenylmethane-4,4′-di(methylthiopropionic acid) and 1,4-butanediol or 2,2′-oxydiethanol at 150, 160, and 170°C. Reaction rate constants (k3) and activation parameters (ΔG≠, ΔH≠, ΔS≠) from carboxyl group loss were determined using classical kinetic methods. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. |
