Synthesis and characterization of main-chain polyaminimides

Three novel main-chain polyarninimides were prepared containing rigid and/or flexible groups within the backbone. The polymer precursors were initially synthesized from bis-dimethylhydrazides and dihalides at room temperature through the Menschulkin reaction, which yielded hydrazinium ionenes. In a similar fashion, low molecular weight model compounds were also prepared in order to confirm the structures of the ionene polymers. It was found that the ionenes were totally, or at least partially, converted o the aminimide form in the presence of water alone, while the model cationic compounds required a strong base before conversion to their corresponding aminimides. These new polymers were characterized by (heir infrared and NMK spectra, as well as dilute solution viscosity. Preliminary solution properties indicate that the hydrazinium form of the polymers behave as poly electrolytes, whereas the aminimide form behaves as a neutral polymer.