Polymerization of diphenylamine with friedel-crafts/oxidation catalysts to produce thermally stable polymers

The synthesis of polymers from diphenylamine by use of ferric chloride and aluminum chloride–cupric chloride catalyst–oxidant systems has been studied. Optimum conditions for yield and thermal stability were determined for the aluminum chloride–cupric chloride systems. Thermal stabilities in air were between 450 and 500°C. Infrared and ultraviolet spectra indicate that reaction has taken place by direct nuclear coupling.