Synthesis of Poly(arylene ether ketone)s containing Unsymmetrical Pyridyl Ether Linkages

New high molecular weight poly(arylene ether ketone)s were prepared from pyridine containing unsymmetrical dichloro monomers. Incorporation of unsymmetrical pyridyl ether linkages instead of phenylene ether linkages reduces the high crystallinity of parent poly(arylene ether ketone)s and provides enhanced solubility. Replacement of a single atom in the repeating units of polymers can efficiently change the physical properties of the resulting polymers. The pyridyl ether containing poly(arylene ether ketone)s showed outstanding thermal stability (Td5>470 °C).