Phillips Petroleum Company

Jim J Straw

Jon F Geibel

Rex L Bobsein

James T Edmonds, Jr

Tod K Shioyama

Albert G Holba

Mel D Herd

This invention relates to the synthesis of bis(haloarylsulfonyl) aromatic compounds and more specifically, bis(chlorophenylsulfonyl) aromatic compounds. Bis(chlorophenylsulfonyl) aromatic compounds and particularly 4,4'-bis(4-chlorophenylsulfonyl)biphenyl are frequently used as monomers and comonomers in making high temperature polymers which possess glass transition temperatures greater than 260.degree. C. A process has been developed wherein product of high purity and minimal iron contamination is produced by reacting haloarylsulfonyl halide with an aromatic compound in the presence of an appropriate catalyst with and without solvent.

Synthesis of bis(haloarylsulfonyl) aromatics

A two-step process to make a poly(arylene sulfide sulfone) polymer exhibiting improved high temperature properties is described. In the first step a prepolymer characterized as dihalo-terminated polyethersulfone oligomers is prepared by reacting an aromatic diphenol with an excess of a dihalo aromatic sulfone. In the second step the excess dihalo aromatic sulfone and the oligomers are copolymerized in the presence of a sulfur source to form a poly(arylene sulfide sulfone) polymer. An alkali metal carboxylate is present in the second step. The polymers exhibit improved softening temperature and glass transition temperature and are useful in high temperature applications.

Poly(arylene sulfide sulfone) polymer containing ether groups

Wacker-type oxidation catalysts can be recovered and rejuvenated for further use by separating catalyst solids from the reaction mixture and, optionally, adjusting pH.

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Bartlesville, OK, United States of America

Jim J Straw