Linear crystalline alpha-alkylpolybenzyls and process for preparing them.

摘要

Linear polybenzyls of high molecular weight and high crystallinity suitable for use in films or moulding compositions are obtained by polymerizing aralkyl halides in the presence of a Friedel-Crafts catalyst complexed with a nitroarene or a nitroalkane complexing agent in a halogenated solvent. The complex catalyst allows the polymerization to be run at higher rates. The polymerizable alpha -alkyl-benzyl halides which can be readily employed are represented by the following structural formula:
<CHEM>
wherein R1 is a C1-C4 alkyl group, R2 and R3 are the same or different and are each selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C1-C4 alkyl groups, and X is halogen.