Poly(paraphenylene sulfide) and Poly(metaphenylene sulfide) via Light-Initiated SRN 1-Type Polymerization of Halogenated Thiophenols

In this work, the synthesis of various halogenated thiophenol derivatives is presented. These thiophenols are used as monomers in light-initiated SRN 1-type radical polymerization reactions. The method provides easy access to industrially relevant poly(paraphenylene sulfide) and poly(metaphenylene sulfide). The influence of the halide leaving group and of other substituents in the thiophenol monomer on the polymerization process is investigated.