SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF POLYPHOSPHAZENE (ETA-6-ARENE)CHROMIUM TRICARBONYL DERIVATIVES

The synthesis and structure of a new class of poly(metallophosphazenes) is described. The polymers have the general formulas [NP(OR)2]n and [NP(OR)x(OCH2CF3)y]n, where the OR side group is (eta-6-2-phenoxyethoxy)chromium tricarbonyl and x + y = 2. The single-substituent polymer is the first example of a poly(metallophosphazene) that has one transition-metal unit on every side group. Nonmetallo polymers with the general structures [NP(OR')2]n, [NP(OR')x(OCH2CF3)y]n, and [NP(OCH2CF3)2]n, where the OR' substituent is 2-phenoxyethoxy and x + y = 2, were prepared for comparison with the corresponding metallophosphazene polymers. Structural characterization for the high polymers was carried out by NMR spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, and elemental analysis. Thermal analysis of the polymers was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis.