
106 HIGH PERFORMANCE POLYMERS
O
O
O
OH
O
NaOH
Figure 4.2 Synthesis of 2,6-diphenylphenol from
cyclohexanone via the three intermediate isomers
[15].
from the reaction of p-bromobenzaldehyde with two
moles of phenol [8].
4.2 Polymerization and Fabrication
There are three methods known for polymerization:
• Oxidative coupling,
• Radical polymerization, and
• Ullmann reaction.
The various aspects of oxidative polymerization
of phenols have been thoroughly reviewed [5].
Most commonly, PPEs are produced by the self-
condensation of a monovalent phenol in the pres-
ence of oxygen and a metal-amine-complex catalyst.
Manganese, copper, and cobalt can be used as the
metal ...