Zinc(II) and Cobalt(II) Phosphinate Polymers with Low-Temperature Flexibility

Abstract

Abstract : In developing the scope of tetrahedral metal phosphinate polymers, a variety of groups were introduced on the phosphorus. While many of the phosphinates reported in the past are tractable, those that can be fabricated are brittle, glasslike solids at room temperature. However, zinc(II) and cobalt(II) phosphinate polymers containing long alkyl sidechains appear to have very low glass transition temperatures. These are the first double-bridged polymers prepared with good low-temperature properties. In order to stabilize the amorphous form of these polymers it is necessary to introduce disorder into their structures. This has been accomplished by making polymers containing two kinds of bridging groups - a class of copolymers which are termed hybrid polymers. The low-temperature properties of some of these double-bridged materials compare favorably with those of the better single-bridged polymers. (Author)