Synthesis and Cyclization of Aromatic Polyhydroxyamides Containing Trifluoromethyl Groups

Polyhydroxyamides derivatized with trifluorormethyl ether and trifluoromethyl ester groups were investigated as possible candidates for a new flame retardant polymer. Model compounds for these derivatized polyhydroxyamides were synthesized and their cyclization chemistry was investigated. The model compound study revealed that trifluorornethyl ester group containing model compounds can cyclize on heating, while trifluoromethyl ether group containing model compounds cannot. The non-fluorinated ether and ether derivatives behaved similarly. The trifluoromethyl ester derivatized polyhydroxyamides were synthesized according to the procedures for the model compounds. TGA characterization revealed that the fluorinated polymers have nearly same thermal stability as the underivatized PHA after cyclization.