Synthesis and Characterization of Dibenzothiophene-Formaldehyde Copolymers

The structures of the polymeric products produced from a 1- to 24-hr condensation of paraformaldehyde with dibenzothiophene have been investigated by chemical and physical methods. It was shown that the polymers formed during the early stages of the condensation appear to have a linear structure with a degree of polymerization (DP) equivalent to ca. six repeat units. The polymers produced during the latter stages of the reaction (DP > 6) are branched and of different chemical composition than the early stage polymers. The polymer structures contain both methylene and oxymethylene bridges as well as hydroxymethyl end groups. © 1972, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.