POLYESTERS WITH AROMATIC-GROUPS IN THE BACKBONE FROM REACTIONS OF 3-BROMOMETHYLBENZOIC AND 4-BROMOMETHYLBENZOIC ACIDS WITH TRIETHYLAMINE

Aromatic polyesters were obtained in relatively good yields (approximately 70%) from reactions of 3- and 4-bromomethylbenzoic acids with triethylamine in chlorobenzene. A copolymer was prepared in 58% yield by reaction of a 1:1 mixture of the two acids under similar conditions. The polyesters were characterized by IR, H-1- and C-13-NMR spectra, x-ray powder diffraction, DSC behavior, solution viscosity, and hydrolysis to the corresponding hydroxymethylbenzoic acids. Molecular weights were determined by H-1-NMR endgroup analysis. Possible mechanisms for the reactions are discussed.