Thermal degradation of poly((E,E)-[6.2]paracyclophane-1,5-diene)

Thermal degradation of poly((E,E)-6.2]paracyclophane-1,5-diene) is studied in inert and oxidative environments by using thermogravimetric analysis, pyrolysis GC/MS, pyrolysis GC/FT-IR, and variable temperature-diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy (VT-DRIFTS). Thermal degradation in helium begins by depolymerization yielding a volatile product capable of abstracting hydrogens from the polymer residue. Multiple hydrogen abstractions result in a variety of volatile species containing benzyl-benzyl bonds. In the presence of oxygen, polymer decomposition is dictated by reactions of peroxy and hydroperoxy radicals. At low temperatures, oxygenated species are the primary products. At higher temperatures, increased unsaturation is detected in the polymer residue. In both inert and oxidative environments, the strain associated with alignment of paracyclophane aromatic rings is lost during the initial stages of thermal degradation. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.