New polythioesters were obtained by interfacial polycondensation of 4,4′‐dimercaptobiphenyl with selected aliphatic and isomeric phthaloyl dichlorides.
To determine the optimum polycondensation conditions, the influence of the following factors on reduced viscosity and yield were studied: type of organic phase, concentration of hydrogen chloride acceptor, type of catalyst, reaction temperature and rate of acid dichloride addition.
A thorough examination was carried out only for the polycondensation of dithiol with isophthaloyl dichloride chosen as a model system. The structures of polythioesters were determined by elemental analysis, X‐ray and infrared spectra. The temperature of initial decomposition, the percentage of its mass loss, and temperature of the fastest decomposition process were determined from curves of differential and thermogravimetric analysis.
Some physicochemical, mechanical and electrical properties were determined. The molecular weights were not measured because of the low solubility of the obtained polythioesters.