Process for reducing mono-functional and non-functional by-products during aralkylation of phenolics

The present invention is directed to the formation of phenol aralkylation polymers and, more particulrly, to methods of preparing phenol aralkylation polymers with minimized formation of mono-functional and non-functional by-products. Phenol aralkyistion polymers can be prepared by reaction among a phenolic monomer, at least one styrenic monomer and an aryl diolefin. A phenolic monomer can be initially aralkylated in the presence of an acid catalyst with a first portion of at least one styrenic monomer to obtain an aralkylated phenol. The aralkylated phenol thereafter can be reacted with an aryl diolefin to obtain a phenol aralkylation polymer. Optionally, (though preferably) the phenol aralkylation polymer is further aralkylated with a second portion of at least one styrenic monomer. By employing specific catalyst concentrations, reactant concentrations, reaction temperatures, and reaction times, the formation of mono-functional and non-functional by-products is substantially reduced.