Synthesis of High Aspect Ratio Bisphenols and Polycarbonates Incorporating Bisaryl Units

Theoretical arguments linking monomer geometries to polymer fracture strengths and melt flow properties provide the rationale for design of a series of isomeric, high-aspect ratio bisphenols and new polycarbonates. An efficient synthesis of these monomers in addition to an optimal triphosgenation-based method for the synthesis of high molecular weight polycarbonates is presented. Preparation and polymerization of o -, meta -, and p -tetraaryl bisphenol A are reported, in addition to glass transition temperatures of the new polycarbonates. In accordance with expectations, the p - and m - isomers form ductile, amorphous high-heat films, while the o -isomer produces a relatively low- T g brittle glass.