| Abstract: | Poly(silyl ester)s were synthesized by a new route via the condensation of di‐tert‐butyl ester of dicarboxylic acid with dichlorosilane by the elimination of tert‐butyl chloride as a driving force. Three new poly(silyl ester)s with molecular weights typically ranging from 2000 to 5000 amu were produced by the condensation of di‐tert‐butyl adipate with 1,5‐dichloro‐1,1,5,5‐tetramethyl‐3,3‐diphenyl trisiloxane and di‐tert‐butyl fumarate with 1,5‐dichloro‐1,1,5,5‐tetramethyl‐3,3‐diphenyl trisiloxane or 1,3‐dichlorotetramethyl disiloxane. Each polymer was characterized with infrared, 1H‐NMR, and 13C‐NMR spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. This new approach showed several advantages. First, it did not require a catalyst or solvent. Second, the tert‐butyl chloride byproduct was volatile and was easily eliminated. Third, there was no reaction between the growing poly(silyl ester)s and the condensation byproduct, tert‐butyl chloride. Fourth, the monomers could be readily purified. Finally, the polymerization could be performed at relatively low temperatures and in a short time. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 1378–1384, 2006 |
