Linear phenol‐formaldehyde polymers—condensation of p‐chlorophenol with formaldehyde

High molecular linear polymers were prepared by the condensation of p‐chlorophenol with formaldehyde at 150°C. for 24 hours in a closed system with bis(2‐ethoxyethyl) ether as solvent and p‐toluenesulfonic acid as catalyst. The importance of reaction variables including temperature, time, solvent, catalyst, and concentration and ratio of reactants was studied. Polymers of this type were also prepared by the polymerization of 4‐chloro‐2‐hydroxymethylphenol and by the condensation of p‐chlorophenol with 2,6‐bis(hydroxymethyl)‐4‐chlorophenol. Data obtained on the polymers from the three independent routes indicated the presence of methylene bridges between the ortho position of the p‐chlorophenol residues. The polymers were soluble in N,N‐dimethyl formamide and reacted readily with acetic anhydride to form the corresponding acetylated derivatives.