Synthesis and characterization of soluble aromatic polyazomethines from 2,5-bis(4-aminophenyl)-3,4-diphenylthiophene and aromatic dialdehydes

New soluble aromatic polyazomethines with inherent viscosities of 0.4–0.8 dL/g were prepared by the solution polycondensation of 2,5-bis(4-aminophenyl)-3,4-diphenylthiophene, bis(4-aminophenyl) ether, and aromatic dialdehydes in o-chlorophenol at 20°C. The copolyazomethines are generally soluble in chlorinated hydrocarbons, amide-type or phenolic solvents. The thermal stability of the polymers, which showed no weight loss up to 400°C in both air and nitrogen atmospheres.