Abstract: A photodefineable mixture comprising oligomeric divinyltetramethyldisiloxane bisbenzocyclobutene as its major resin component dissolved in mesitylene and at least 2,6-bis(4-azidobenzylidene)-4-ethylcyclohexanone as a photosensitive agent in an amount sufficient to convert the mixture to an organic-insoluble solid upon exposing the mixture to photon radiation is disclosed. These polymer compositions are useful as thin film dielectrics in electronic applications such as multichip modules, integrated circuits and printed circuit boards.

Abstract: A compound having at least one 2-hydroxy-1,3-propylidene, 2-acetoxy-1,3-propylidene, or 2-alkoxy-1,3-propylidene moiety between two benzocyclobutene end moieties is prepared by (a) contacting a diepoxide species with a benzocyclobutene species containing a functionality capable of reacting with an epoxy group, (b) contacting an epoxy-containing benzocyclobutene species with a species containing two functionalities capable of reacting with an epoxy group, (c) contacting an epoxy-containing benzocyclobutene species with a benzocyclobutene species containing a functionality capable of reacting with an epoxy group, (d) contacting epichlorohydrin with benzocyclobutene species capable of reacting with an epoxy group, or (e) contacting epihalohydrin with benzocyclobutene species and difunctional species, wherein both species contain functionalities capable of reacting with epoxy groups.

Abstract: A novolac resin is prepared by reacting a phenolic compound, an aldehyde or a ketone, and a hydroxyl-substituted benzocyclobutene compound wherein the hydroxyl group is attached to an aromatic ring. The benzocyclobutenes are connected to the phenolic rings through an oxygen or oxyaryl bridge, or the cyclobutene is fused directly to a phenol ring. The novolac resin cures without evolution of volatiles and, when cured, provides a polymer which has a high glass transition temperature and which is essentially insoluble in organic solvents.

Abstract: This invention relates to a solvent process for the conversion of aromatic propargyl ethers into chromenes. The process can be catalyzed with copper or zinc salts. The preferred salt is cuprous chloride. The most preferred solvent is a dichlorobenzene. The invention also relates to chromene products formed using the process and to the polymerization of that chromene product and its polymerized product, the latter product having substantially improved flexural modulus and flexural strength properties. The polymerized product is also moisture insensitive.