A New Polymerization Reaction for the Synthesis of Aromatic Polyketones

A new polymerization reaction for aromatic polyketones is described based on palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling of aromatic diacid chlorides and bis(trimethylstannane) monomers. This method addresses some of the shortcomings of current synthetic approaches to this valuable class of thermoplastics. Most importantly, the polymerization can be carried out under mild conditions and polymer backbones free of ether linkages can be realized. Several high molecular weight, soluble polyketones having good thermal stability are synthesized using this polymerization reaction. An improved synthesis of aromatic bis-(trimethylstannane) monomers is also described that provides monomers in high yield.