| Abstract: | Polyoxy(ethylthiomethyl)ethylene] (ETE) was prepared from polyoxy (chloromethyl)ethylene] (CE) by reaction with sodium ethanethiolate. Sulfoxide and sulfone analogues were synthesized by oxidation of the polyoxy(ethylthiomethyl)ethylene]. By changing the chloromethyl/sodium ethanethiolate ratio, polyoxy (chloromethyl)ethylene-co-oxy(ethylthiomethyl)ethylene] (CE-ETEs) were easily made. Polyoxy(ethylsulfinylmethyl)ethylene] (ESXE), polyoxy(chloromethyl)ethylene-co-oxy(ethylsulfinylmethyl)ethylene] (CE-ESXEs), polyoxy(ethylsulfonylmethyl)ethylene] (ESE), and polyoxy(chloromethyl)ethylene-co-oxy(ethylsulfonylmethyl)ethylene] (CE-ESEs) were obtained by oxidation of ETE or CE-ETEs. There was little if any chain degradation. The (co)polymer structures were confirmed by FTIR and 1H-NMR spectroscopic studies. Their thermal properties were studied by DSC and TGA. Tgs of ETE, ESXE, and ESE were -57, 36, and 57°C, respectively, and Td,os (initial decomposition temperature, TGA) were 331, 198, and 308°C, respectively. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 36: 793–801, 1998 |
