Synthesis, structure and ring-opening polymerization of macrocyclic arylates containing phthalic unit

A series of macrocyclic arylate dimers have been selectively synthesized by an interfacial polycondensation of o-phthaloyldichloride with bisphenols. A combination of GPC, FAB-MS, H-1 and C-13 NMR unambiguously confirmed the cyclic nature. Although single-crystal X-ray analysis of two such macrocycles reveals no severe strain on the cyclic structures, these macrocycles can undergo facile melt polymerization to give high molecular weight polyarylates.