SYNTHESIS OF POLY(ARYLENE ETHER)S BASED ON 9,9-BIS(3,5-DIPHENYL-4-HYDROXYPHENYL)FLUORENE

The synthesis of a novel bisphenol, 9,9-bis (3,5-diphenyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) fluorene, in high yield by the transalkylation of 9,9-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) fluorene is described. Three poly (arylene ether)s based on this hindered phenol were prepared with molecular weights (M(n)) ranging from 34 800 to 51 300 and inherent viscosities ranging from 0.27 to 0.43 dL/g. The polymers have T(g)s of 236-262-degrees-C and did not lose weight below 350-degrees-C, with 10% weight loss recorded above 550-degrees-C. They are readily soluble in chlorinated solvents such as methylene chloride, chloroform, and 1,2-dichloroethane at room temperature. Attempts to synthesize an analogous monomer, bis(3,5-diphenyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)diphenylmethane, are described.