Hypercrosslinked Polycondensation Networks: Copolymers of p-Xylylene Dichloride

Abstract

It was shown that self-condensation of p-xylylene dichloride (p-XDC) and its co-polycondensation with naphthalene, anthracene, benzyl alcohol, and benzhydrol in presence of the Lewis acids in solution leads to the formation of hypercrosslinked polymers characterized by developed porosity and ability to swell in nonpolar and polar media. Swelling and porosity of the polycondensed network do not depend on dilution of the initial monomer mixture or catalyst amount involved in the reaction as opposed to the properties of hypercrosslinked polymer. The similarities and differences of the regularities of formation of structures obtained at intense crosslinking of linear polymers (polystyrene) and polycondensed networks were examined. It was also estimated that copolymers with naphthalene and anthracene demonstrate perfect ability to extract furfural (which is able to participate in strong π–π interactions) even from methanol solution.