Direct polycondensations of hydroxybenzoic acids by use of diphenyl chlorophosphate in the presence of N,N-dimethylformamide

Direct polycondensation reaction of hydroxybenzoic acids with diphenyl chlorophosphate (DPCP) in pyridine was largely improved by carrying out the reaction in the presence of a formamide. Among the formamides examined, N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), N,N-dimethylformamide, and N,N-dimethylacetamide were favorably used. A Vilsmeier adduct thus derived from DPCP and DMF was very effective especially for the preparation of high-molecularweight copolyesters from hydroxybenzoic acids. Copolymers of several combinations of hydroxybenzoic acids were prepared and their solubility and thermal properties were investigated. The polycondensations of aromatic dicarboxylic acids and bisphenols with the adduct were also studied.