Synthesis, Characterization, and Application of Poly[Substituted Methylene]S

Radical polymerization of fumaric acid derivatives, such as dialkyl fumarates, gave polymers consisting of a less-or nonflexible substituted polymethylene structure. The yield and molecular weight of the polymers produced increased as the bulkiness of the ester substituents increased. For example, when di-t-butyl fumarate was polymerized in bulk with azocyclohexanecarbonitrile (20 mmol/L) at 80°C for 6 h, polymer with M n of more than 100 000 was produced in more than 80% yield. The polymers obtained were colorless powders and did not melt before degradation at ∼250°C, but they were soluble in such organic solvents as benzene, carbon tetrachloride, tetrahydrofuran, and dioxane. A transparent brittle film or fiber was obtained from toluene solution. Some properties and possibilities for application of these polymers are described and discussed.