Linear polythioesters. XXII. Products of interfacial polycondensation of bis(4-mercaptomethylphenyl)sulfide with some aliphatic and isomeric phthaloyl dichlorides

New polythioesters were obtained by interfacial polycondensation of bis(4-mercaptomethylphenyl) sulfide with some aliphatic and isomeric phthaloyl dichlorides. To determine optimal conditions for polycondensation, the polythioester from bis(4-mercaptomethylphenyl) sulfide and sebacoyl dichloride was chosen as a model system. The influence of some factors on the reduced viscosity and the yield were studied. Polythioesters from aliphatic and isomeric phthaloyl dichlorides were prepared under the same optimal conditions as those established for the reaction of the dithiol with sebacoyl dichloride. The structure of all polythioesters was determined by elementary, infrared spectra, and X-ray analysis. Initial decomposition temperature and maximum rate of decomposition temperature were defined from the curves of thermogravimetric analysis. Some physicochemical, mechanical, and electrical properties have been determined. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.