Synthesis and Characterization of Several New Copolymers Based on Maleimides Bearing 1, 3, 4-Oxadiazole Moiety

Abstract

A series of new copolyimides containing pendant 1,3,4-oxadiazole moiety were synthesized via multisteps. In the first step five N-(5-substituted-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-yl)maleamic acids were prepared via reaction of maleic anhydride with 2-amino-5-substituted-1,3,4-oxadiazoles. The obtained amic acids were dehydrated in the second step affording the corresponding N-(5-substituted-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-yl) maleimides. In the third step the newly synthesized maleimides were introduced successfully in free radical copolymerization reaction with four vinylic monomers including acrylo nitrile, methacrylonitrile, methyl acrylate and methyl meth acrylate respectively producing twelve new copolymers having different physical properties which may serve different applications. The new copolymers are of great importance since it contain two important components (maleimide and 1,3,4-oxadiazole) cycles in their repeating units which exhibit good thermal and chemical stability beside the presence of acrylo nitriles or acrylates components which exhibit better solubility and processing properties.