Interfacial polycondensation. I.

Interfacial polycondensation is a rapid, irreversible polymerization at the interface between water containing one difunctional intermediate and an inert immiscible organic solvent containing a complementary difunctional reactant. It is based on the Schotten-Baumann reaction in which acid chlorides are reacted with compounds containing active hydrogen atoms (—OH, —NH and —SH). A large number of polymers (heat-sensitive and infusible as well as stable and meltable) can be prepared. The method has been applied to the preparation of polyurethanes, polyamides, polyureas, polysulfonamides, and polyphenyl esters. Interfacial polycondensations are run in simple, open laboratory equipment with or without stirring. With suitable agitation granular or powdered polymers with high molecular weight are prepared at room temperature and isolated within a few minutes. The intermediates need not be absolutely pure or in balance nor is a quantitative yield needed in order to obtain high polymer. The major variables in the interfacial polycondensation process are discussed and the laboratory techniques and principles are contrasted with melt polycondensation.