John W. ApSimon

Functional group polysulphones by bromination-metalation

Abstract A variety of functional groups can be substituted on aromatic polysulphones by a process of bromination followed by metalation. Both Udel polysulphone and Radel polyphenylsulphone were brominated at room temperature using bromine without a catalyst. Repeat units containing two bromine atoms at the electrophilic site in the bisphenol portion were obtained when excess reagent was used. These polymers readily undergo metal-halogen exchange with n-butyllithium. The resulting polyanionic lithiated polysulphones are reactive to a variety of electrophiles and give polymers containing functional groups such as carboxyl and hydroxyl. These polymers are useful as membrane materials.