Synthesis and characterization of new aromatic polyesters and a polyether derived from 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,2-diphenylethanone

New polyarylates having benzopinacolone units were synthesized from 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,2-diphenylethanone and aromatic dicarboxylic acid chlorides. The polymers having an inherent viscosity of 0.71–0.94 dL/g were obtained by the two-phase method using toluene as an organic solvent. The polymers were easily soluble in various organic solvents and had high glass transition temperatures in the range of 200–240°C. An aromatic polyether having benzopinacolone unit was also prepared. However, its inherent viscosity was low because of the occurrence of a side reaction. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. A Polym. Chem. 36: 2229–2235, 1998