Synthesis and characterization of 2,3-dialkyl-1,4-butanediols and copolyesters containing these moieties

Reaction of the 2,3-dimethylene-1,3-butadiene dianion (made using Lochmann's base) with a series of primary alkyl halides yielded 2,3-dialkyl-1,3-butadienes, which were converted to the corresponding 2,3-dialkyl-1,4-butanedoils via hydroboration /oxidation. Along with ethylene glycol and dimethyl terephthalate these disubstituted butanediols were incorporated into copolyesters using melt condensation polymerization. The resultant copolymers were characterized by exp 1 H NMR, inherent viscosity, and DSC. From this data the effects of varying the length and amount of alkyl side groups on the copolyester syntheses and properties were studied. 21 ref.--AA