Synthesis, structure, and ring-opening polymerization of macrocyclic aromatic esters: A new route to high-performance polyarylates

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