Abstract: A process for preparing high purity indane bisphenols in high yield is disclosed. The method comprises heating a bisphenol in the presence of Montmorillonite K10 clay, which catalyzes the synthesis reaction more rapidly and effectively than other clays previously disclosed. The high purity (.gtoreq.97%) of the synthesized indane bisphenol is obtained by two successive selective recrystallizations, the first from an organic solvent, and the second from an acetic acid solution. The high purity indane bisphenols produced may be made substantially pure (>99%) by employing a purification process which includes at least one selective recrystallization from a 45%-80% by volume aqueous acetic acid solution. Alternatively, substantially pure indane bisphenol may be obtained by recrystallization from a solution of 89-93% by volume toluene and 7-11% by volume n-propanol, or by a combination of recrystallizations from toluene/n-propanol and from aqueous acetic acid.

Abstract: Optically active polycarbonate, polyester, and polyurethane polymers prepared from monomers containing optically pure spirobiindane moieties are disclosed. The chiral spirobiindane polymers are of high molecular weight and exhibit high optical rotations. In addition, the optically active polymers are useful in the fabrication of optoelectronics devices and as polarizing coatings or filters or as polarized lenses.

Abstract: Optically active poly(aryl)ether polymers prepared from monomers containing optically pure spirobiindane and/or indane moieties are disclosed. The chiral poly(aryl)ether polymers are of high molecular weight and exhibit high optical rotations. In addition, the polyethers are thermally stable at high temperatures and exhibit excellent hydrolytic resistance making them useful in high temperature processing applications, in the fabrication of optoelectronics devices, and as polarizing coatings and filters.

Abstract: Polyetherimide polymers prepared from monomers containing indane moieties are disclosed. The high molecular weight indane polyetherimides are transparent, ductile, and exhibit high glass transition temperatures (>200.degree. C.). In addition, the polyetherimides are thermally stable at high temperatures and exhibit good optical properties making them useful in high temperature processing applications, in the fabrication of optoelectronics devices, and in optical applications.

Abstract: Optically active polycarbonate, polyester, and polyurethane polymers prepared from monomers containing optically pure indane moieties are disclosed. The chiral indane polymers are of high molecular weight and exhibit high optical rotations. In addition, the optically active polymers are useful in the fabrication of optoelectronics devices and as polarizing coatings or filters or as polarized lenses.