Preparation and characterization of bismaleimides containing ester groups from bisphenolic chelates and their polymers

A series of novel metal‐containing bismaleimide monomers was prepared by the reaction of 4‐maleimidobenzoic acid chloride with bisphenolic chelates. By reaction of the synthesized bismaleimides with bis(1‐mercapto‐2‐ethylether) or 3,4‐dichloromaleimidobenzoic acid chloride, new chelating polyimidosulfides and poly(ether‐ester)maleimides were prepared. The structures of the bisphenols, bismaleimides and polymers obtained were confirmed by IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Characterization of the compounds was undertaken by differential scanning calorimetry, thermooptical analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, viscosity measurements and solubility tests. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.