Synthesis of polyesters from active diesters

Ester‐exchange and polycondensation reactions of active diesters such as diphenyl, dithiophenyl, or dipyridinyl esters of adipic or terephthalic acids with glycols were carried out in order to investigate the reactivity of these active diesters toward nucleophilic replacement. Catalysts such as potassium carbonate were required for the esterexchange of these active diesters. Comparison of the reactivity of these active diesters with that of ordinary diesters in the presence of potassium carbonate as a catalyst indicates the rates or the equilibrium constants of the exchange reactions of these active diesters were much larger than those of ordinary diesters, indicating that polyesterification reactions favorably occur. Polyesters were obtained in good yield either by solution or bulk methods in mild conditions.