Mass spectral and pyrolysis/gas‐chromatographic studies of the monomer and polymer of bis(p‐toluenesulfonate) of 2,4‐hexadiyne‐1,6‐diol

The thermal degradation of the monomer and polymer of bis(p‐toluenesulfonate) of 2,4‐hexadiyne‐1,6‐diol has been investigated. Decomposition during the latter stages of solid‐state thermal polymerization at 80°C and of 100% polymer at 112°C was observed by mass spectrometry and the decomposition fragments identified. Mechanisms for this low‐temperature degradation are suggested. Pyrolysis of the monomer and polymer between 400 and 1000°C was studied by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The principal pyrolysis products are triacetylene and p‐toluenesulfonic acid. The fragmentation routes leading to and derived from these products are discussed.