Synthesis and characterization of novel aromatic poly(ethersulfone)s from new dichloro compounds containing thioether and sulfone groups

Two new aromatic dichloro monomers, 4,4'-bis(4-chlorophenylsulfonyl) diphenyl sulfide and 4,4'-bis(4-chlorophenylsulfonyl) dithiophenoxy benzene were synthesized and characterized by infrared and 1H-NMR. A series of processable poly(ether sulfone)s were prepared by nucleophilic substitution reaction of new dichloro compounds with commercially available aromatic diols. The poly(ether sulfone)s were characterized by infrared, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, solubility and solution viscosity. These poly(ether sulfone)s are readily soluble in polar aprotic solvents. The improved solubility in common organic solvents is due to the presence of flexible ether, thioether and sulfone groups in a polymer backbone. These poly(ether sulfone)s exhibit good thermal stability and the 10% weight loss temperature ranged from 407 to 464 degrees C under N-2 atmosphere. The X-ray diffraction patterns revealed that all these polymers are partially crystalline in nature.