Poly(phenylene oxide)s and poly(arylene ether)s derived from 2,6-diarylphenols

Oxidative polymerization of 2,6-dimethylphenol yields the polyphenylene oxide which is manufactured commercially on a large scale. Most of this polymer is sold as a homogeneous blend with polystyrene or as a heterogeneous blend with nylon. Polymers have also been synthesized from 2,6-diarylphenols by oxidative polymerization which are much more thermooxidatively stable. This review will discuss the synthesis of 2,6-diarylphenols and their conversion to high molecular weight poly(phenylene oxide)s. Biphenols can be obtained by C-C coupling of these 2,6-diarylphenols and by direct oxidation of the 2,6-diarylphenols substituted hydroquinones can be prepared. The synthesis of these monomers and the preparation of poly(aryl ether)s and aromatic polyesters from them will also be described. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.