Abstract: Rigid-rod and segmented rigid-rod polymers, methods for preparing the polymers and useful articles incorporating the polymers are provided. The polymers incorporate rigid-rod backbones with pendant solubilizing groups attached thereto for rendering the polymers soluble.

Abstract: Rigid-rod macromonomers, and methods for preparing such macromonomers, having a polyaromatic backbone, solubilizing side groups, and reactive end groups are provided. The macromonomers are chemically incorporated into polymer systems to provide stronger, stiffened polymers.

Abstract: A new class of polymers include repeating units comprising one or more arylene units substituted with heterocyclic side groups. The heterocyclic substituted arylene repeat units have the general structural formula: ##STR1## wherein Het is a heterocyclic group, R is an optional substituent, x is 1 or 2, and y is less than or equal to 4-x.

Abstract: High-performance polymers having a rigid-rod backbone comprising a chain length of at least 25 organic monomer units joined together by covalent bonds wherein at least about 95% of the bonds are substantially parallel; and solubilizing organic groups attached to at least 1% of the monomer units. The polymers are prepared in a solvent system which is a solvent for both the monomer starting materials and the rigid-rod polymer product.

Abstract: Rigid-rod and segmented rigid-rod polymers, methods for preparing the polymers and useful articles incorporating the polymers are provided. The polymers incorporate rigid-rod backbones with pendant solubilizing groups attached thereto for rendering the polymers soluble.

Abstract: Rigid-rod and segmented rigid-rod polymers, methods for preparing the polymers and useful articles incorporating the polymers are provided. The polymers incorporate rigid-rod backbones with pendant solubilizing groups attached thereto for rendering the polymers soluble.

Abstract: Rigid-rod and segmented rigid-rod polymers, methods for preparing the polymers and useful articles incorporating the polymers are provided. The polymers incorporate rigid-rod backbones with pendant solubilizing groups attached thereto for rendering the polymers soluble.

Abstract: Rigid-rod macromonomers, and methods for preparing such macromonomers, having a polyaromatic backbone, solubilizing side groups, and reactive side groups are provided. The macromonomers are chemically incorporated into polymer systems to provide stronger, stiffened polymers.

Abstract: Methods for coupling aryl halides or aryl sulfonates to produce biaryls or polyaryls using novel nickel phosphite catalysts are provided.

Abstract: High-performance polymers having a rigid-rod backbone comprising a chain length of at least 25 organic monomer units joined together by covalent bonds wherein at least about 95% of the bonds are substantially parallel; and solubilizing organic groups attached to at least 1% of the monomer units. The polymers are prepared in a solvent system which is a solvent for both the monomer starting materials and the rigid-rod polymer product.

Abstract: Rigid-rod macromonomers, and methods for preparing such macromonomers, having a polyaromatic backbone, solubilizing side groups, and reactive side groups are provided. The macromonomers are chemically incorporated into polymer systems to provide stronger, stiffened polymers.

Abstract: Rigid-rod macromonomers, and methods for preparing such macromonomers, having a polyaromatic backbone, solubilizing side groups, and reactive side groups are provided. The macromonomers are chemically incorporated into polymer systems to provide stronger, stiffened polymers.

Abstract: Rigid-rod macromonomers, and methods for preparing such macromonomers, having a polyaromatic backbone, solubilizing side groups, and reactive side groups are provided. The macromonomers are chemically incorporated into polymer systems to provide stronger, stiflened polymers.

Abstract: Sulfonated polyphenylene solid polymer electrolytes having high proton conductivity are provided, which are stable and which maintain high conductivity at temperatures of 100.degree. C. and above. These membranes are useful as solid polymer electrolytes for fuel cells and can be operated above the boiling point of water.

Abstract: A new class of polymers is provided, as well as the monomers used for their preparation. The polymers provided in accordance with practice of the present invention include repeating units comprising one or more quinoline groups, wherein at least a portion of the repeating units includes a hexafluoroisopropylidene (6F) group or a 1-aryl-2,2,2-trifluoroethylidene (3F) group, or both.The hexafluoroisopropylidene group is referred to herein as a "6F" group and has the following structure: ##STR1## The "6F" group includes a tetravalent carbon atom bound to two trifluoromethyl moieties, with its other two bonds forming linkages in the polymer chain.The 1-aryl-2,2,2-trifluoroethylidene group is referred to herein as a "3F" group and has the following structure: ##STR2## wherein Ar' is an aryl group.

Abstract: A new class of polymers is provided as well as the monomers used for their preparation. The polymers provided in accordance with practice of the present invention include repeating units comprising one or more quinoline groups, wherein at least a portion of the repeating units includes a hexafluoroisopropylidene (6F) group or a 1-aryl-2,2,2-trifluoroethylidene (3F) group, or both.The hexafluoroisopropylidene group is referred to herein as a "6F" group and has the following structure: ##STR1## The "6F" group includes a tetravalent carbon atom bound to two trifluoromethyl moieties with its other two bonds forming linkages in the polymer chain.the 1-aryl-2,2,2-trifluoroethylidene group is referred to herein as "3F" group and has the following structure: ##STR2## wherein Ar' is an aryl group. The "3F" group comprises a tetravalent carbon atom bound to one trifluoromethyl moiety and one aryl group with its other two bonds forming linkages in the polymer chain.

Abstract: High-performance polymers having a rigid-rod backbone comprising a chain length of at least 25 organic monomer units joined together by covalent bonds wherein at least about 95% of the bonds are substantially parallel; and solubilizing organic groups attached to at least 1% of the monomer units. The polymers are prepared in a solvent system which is a solvent for both the monomer starting materials and the rigid-rod polymer product.

Abstract: A method for preparing isomerically pure 2,5-dichlorobenzophenones in good to high yields is provided. The invention comprises Friedel-Crafts aroylation of 1,4-dichlorobenzene using an aroyl halide or aromatic anhydride and at least one Lewis acid, the latter being present in an amount of at least about 1.1 mole per mole of aroyl halide or aromatic anhydride, preferably about 1.5 moles per mole of aroyl halide or aromatic anhydride and, more preferably, from about 2 to about 2.5 moles of Lewis acid per mole of aroyl halide or aromatic anhydride. Preferably, the molar ratio of 1,4-dichlorobenzene to aroyl halide ranges from about 1.2:1 to about 8:1.

Abstract: A device provides an electrically settable resistance and comprises first and second electrodes. Each electrode comprises a redox active material. The device further comprises means defining an environment for each electrode such that the average redox state of the electrodes, taken together, remains substantially constant. The environment-defining means includes an electrolyte between the electrodes. The device further comprises a pair of terminals electrically connected to the first electrode at spaced-apart locations, the electrically settable resistance being defined between the pair of terminals and being a function of the oxidation state of the first electrode.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is provided for separating oxygen from a mixture of gases such as air. The apparatus includes an electrochemical cell that includes a cathode, an anode and an electrolyte. Oxygen in the air is reduced to the superoxide ion (O.sub.2.sup.-) at the cathode; the superoxide ion is transported across the cell through the electrolyte; and the superoxide ion is then reoxidized to oxygen at the anode and collected.