Synthesis of Poly(aryl Ether)s Bearing Phosphonated Side-Chains from Phosphonate Ester-Containing Bisphenols

As part of our project research to design aromatic polymers with pendant acid groups, we have paid efforts to synthesize phosphonic acid-containing poly(aryl ether)s (PAEs) from functionalized monomers. To this end, two bisphenol monomers bearing phosphonic ester groups were synthesized. A study of the polymerization reaction via model compound preparation point out specific experimental conditions to prevent side reactions between phosphonic ester functions and phenolate monomers. Based on these experimental optimised conditions, different PAEs with high molecular weights were prepared. Free acid phosphonic groups-containing PAE were obtained by subsequent controlled hydrolysis of phosphonate ester groups.