Synthesis of amorphous poly(thioarylene)s via oxidative polymerization of diaryl disulfides

Amorphous poly(thioarylene)s containing a methyl substituent and/or an ether bond in the main chain were prepared via oxidative polymerization of diaryl disulfides using 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyanobenzoquinone. The resulting poly(thio-2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenyleneoxy-1 ,4-phenylene) having alternating ether and thioether bonds shows a better solvent solubility and has a higher glass transition temperature (T-g) (182 degrees C) than non-substituted poly(thio-l,4-phenylene). Polymerization of methyl substituted diphenyl ether derivatives with disulfur dichloride has been also developed for a one-pot synthesis of amorphous poly(thioarylene)s.