Phase transfer catalyzed preparation of aromatic polyether polymers

Abstract

Aromatic polyether polymers, illustrated by polyethersulfones, polyetherketones and polyetherimides, are prepared by a phase transfer catalyzed reaction between a salt of a dihydroxyaromatic compound and a substituted aromatic compound such as bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) sulfone, bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) ketone or 1,3-bis[N-(4-chlorophthalimido)]benzene or the corresponding derivative of toluene or diphenyl ether, or the analagous fluoro-, bromo- or nitro-substituted compounds. The phase transfer catalysts employed are those which are stable at temperatures in the range of about 125.degree.-250.degree. C. Particularly preferred phase transfer catalysts are the hexaalkylguanidinium and .alpha.,.omega.-bis(pentaalkylguanidinium)alkane salts and the corresponding heterocyclic salts.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.