NEW SYNTHETIC ROUTES TOWARDS POLYPHOSPHAZENES

Two new methods for the synthesis of polyphosphazenes are described. The first is based on the catalyzed polycondensation of phosphoranimines using various catalysts and initiators. Certain mechanistic aspects of this process with reactive intermediates are discussed. Linear polymers are formed quantitatively at temperatures around 100-degrees-C in a few hours (the thermal process requires a few days at 200-degrees-C). The second method is based on the direct reaction between phosphonites and phosphinites with silyl azides. This reaction proceeds by phosphine azide intermediates and provides new polyphosphazenes.