Determination of the equilibrium constant for the reaction between bisphenol A and diphenyl carbonate

Despite the industrial significance of poly(bisphenol A carbonate), there is a scarcity of open literature on the equilibrium of the melt‐phase process. In fact, the equilibrium constant (Keq) for this reaction has never been measured directly. This article describes a process on the basis of NMR for the measurement of Keq for the reaction between bisphenol A and diphenyl carbonate in the presence and absence of a catalyst. The apparent enthalpy and entropy were calculated using a van't Hoff plot. Decomposition of bisphenol A is a common side reaction in the melt‐phase reaction performed at high temperatures in the presence of catalyst. The effect of these side reactions on the Keq in the presence of catalyst is determined. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 171–178, 2002 Despite the industrial significance of poly(bisphenol A carbonate), there is a scarcity of open literature on the equilibrium of the melt‐phase process. In fact, the equilibrium constant (Keq) for this reaction has never been measured directly. This article describes a process on the basis of NMR for the measurement of Keq for the reaction between bisphenol A and diphenyl carbonate in the presence and absence of a catalyst. The apparent enthalpy and entropy were calculated using a van't Hoff plot. Decomposition of bisphenol A is a common side reaction in the melt‐phase reaction performed at high temperatures in the presence of catalyst. The effect of these side reactions on the Keq in the presence of catalyst is determined.