Patent ID: 7067608
Filing Date: 2006-06-27
Classification: C08G

Abstract:
1. A process for preparing a branched polyarylene ether polymer which comprises (A) providing a reaction mixture which comprises (i) an optional solvent, (ii) a polyfunctional phenol compound of the formula Ar(OH) x wherein x≧3 and wherein Ar is an aryl moiety or an alkylaryl moiety, provided that when Ar is an alkylaryl moiety at least three of the —OH groups are bonded to an aryl portion thereof, (iii) one or more linear polymers of the formula wherein each m, independently of the others, is an integer of 0 or 1, each A, independently of the others, is wherein R is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group, an arylalkyl group, an alkylaryl group, or mixtures thereof, wherein R or mixtures thereof, each B, independently of the others, is wherein z is an integer of from 2 to about 20, wherein u is an integer of from 1 to about 20, wherein w is an integer of from 1 to about 20, wherein each o, independently of the other, is an integer of 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein R wherein b is an integer of 0 or 1, wherein (1) Z is wherein c is 0 or 1; (2) Ar′ is (3) G is an alkyl group selected from alkyl groups containing from about 2 to about 10 carbon atoms; (4) Ar″ is wherein s is 0, 1, or 2, and (6) q is 0 or 1; or mixtures thereof, and n is an integer representing the number of repeat monomer units, (iv) optionally, a compound of the formula wherein a is an integer of from 1 to 5 and R′ is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group, an arylalkyl group, an alkylaryl group, or a mixture thereof, wherein two or more R′ groups can be joined together to form a ring, and (v) a carbonate base; and (B) heating the reaction mixture and removing generated water from the reaction mixture, thereby effecting a polymerization reaction.