Synthesis of polyesters by using divalent metal salts of monohydroxyethyl phthalate: Metal‐containing polyesters from such metal salts, anhydride, and epoxide

Synthesis of metal‐containing polyesters by reactions of the divalent metal salts of monohydroxyethyl phthalate with phthalic anhydride and epoxide were investigated. It was found that the metal carboxylate groups of these metal salts catalyze the above reactions. These reactions were further studied in model reactions with the use of the Ca salt of monoethyl phthalate. Products obtained were linear metal‐containing polyesters containing ionic links in the main chain; they were yellow or slightly yellow glassy materials; yields were generally high. Molecular weights obtained by the end‐group analyses were generally low; with increase in content of the metal salts in the feed the molecular weight of the polyesters decreased. Inherent viscosities (in DMF at 30°C) of the metal‐containing polyesters were low, ranging from 0.033 to 0.052. Elemental analyses are generally in good agreement with the calculated values. Thermogravimetric analyses of the polyesters were also discussed.