Synthesis of new polymers with inorganic chains of molecules

Abstract

AbstractA synthesis of polyorganosiloxanes is based on attaching organic groups to inorganic silicon‐oxygen chains structurally corresponding to the quartz molecules. The extension of this idea to skeletons composed of silicon, oxygen, and metals, and corresponding structurally to the silicates, led to the synthesis of new polymers containing chains such as magnified image called polyorganometalosiloxanes. Further development of the idea of attaching organic groups to mineral chains, especially the use of the groups R3SiO—, allowed the inclusion even of elements which do not form stable bonds with carbon. This paper presents some results of our research on the formation of new polymers with mineral chain molecules containing atoms of aluminum, titanium, phosphorus, and oxygen. The reactions leading to the formation of aluminosiloxanes are expressed by the following schematic equations: magnified image Titanosiloxanes are formed as follows: magnified image Similarly mixed phosphoaluminosiloxane polymers are prepared: magnified image Thus carbon and silicon are no longer the only important elements forming polymer chains. Such elements as aluminum, titanium, phosphorus, and many others belonging to the second, third, fourth, and fifth groups of the Periodic System can be used in the synthesis of polymers. The method of organically enveloping inorganic skeletons makes it possible to change the properties of the compounds within wide limits. Silicates, corundum, and inorganic polytitanates are familiar as hard, brittle compounds, insoluble in organic solvents. If now, while preserving the polymer chains typical of these inorganic molecules, we surround them by organic groups, we obtain synthetic polymers with properties markedly different from those of their inorganic analogs. At a certain stage these polymers become soluble in organic solvents, form films typical for organic polymers, and show plasticity. The organic radicals surrounding the inorganic chains increase the flexibility of the molecular chains and confer the elastic properties of typical organic macromolecular compounds on these polymers.