Influence of the Number of Carbon Atoms of the Alkyl Group on Polymerization and Properties of Para-Alkylphenol–formaldehyde Polymers

The polymerization (in organic media) of p-cresol–formaldehyde has been investigated in sealed tubes and in open systems. A series of almost colorless p-alkylphenol–formaldehyde polymers, prepared in sealed tubes, was studied to determine the influence of the number of carbon atoms of the substituting alkyl group on the polymerization process and on the properties of the polymers. Infrared spectra and chemical analyses of the original and heat-treated polymers were correlated with the structures of the polymers.