Abstract: Polyphenylene ethers are capped by reaction in the melt, with application of vacuum, with at least one trimellitic anhydride salicylate, ester, preferably the 4-(phenyl salicylate) ester. The preferred melt processing method is extrusion with vacuum venting. By this method, the polyphenylene ether is capped with reactive dicarboxylate groups and also with salicylate groups, improving its thermal stability. The capped polyphenylene ether is capable of forming copolymers with polyamides, and said copolymers are useful as compatibilizers for polyphenylene ether-polyamide blends.

Abstract: Polyphenylene ethers are capped by reaction in the melt, with application of vacuum, with at least one trimellitic anhydride salicylate ester, preferably the 4-(phenyl salicylate) ester. The preferred melt processing method is extrusion with vacuum venting. By this method, the polyphenylene ether is capped with reactive dicarboxylate groups and also with salicylate groups, improving its thermal stability. The capped polyphenylene ether is capable of forming copolymers with polyamides, and said copolymers are useful as compatibilizers for polyphenylene ether-polyamide blends.

Abstract: Macrocyclic oligomers, including polycarbonates, polyesters, polyamides, polyimides, polyetherketones and polyethersulfones, are conveniently prepared from various spiro(bis)indane compounds, especially the 6,6'-difunctional 3,3',3'-tetramethylspiro(bis)indanes. The macrocyclic oligomers may be conveniently converted to linear polymers.

Abstract: Linear polyamide and polyimide copolysiloxane compositions are prepared by contacting a strongly acidic catalyst, basic catalyst or alkali metal fluoride with a macrocyclic spirobiindane polyamide or polyimide disiloxane, either alone or in combination with a cyclic polysiloxane such as octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane.

Abstract: Cyclic polyarylate oligomer compositions are prepared by the reaction of an aromatic dicarboxylic acid halide, such as isophthaloyl chloride or terephthaloyl chloride, with a water-soluble salt of a dihydroxyaromatic compound, such as bisphenol A disodium salt. Freshly prepared solutions of the halide in an organic liquid such as methylene chloride, and of the salt in water, are simultaneously introduced into an organic liquid containing a catalytic amount of at least one quaternary ammonium salt having a single alkyl group containing about 8-20 carbon atoms and having not more than 5 additional carbon atoms. The dihydroxyaromatic compound salt is employed in the amount of at least about 3% in excess of stoichiometric.

Abstract: Copolyamides are prepared by the reaction of monocyclic spiro(bis)indane polyamide oligomers with lactams in the presence of basic reagents.

Abstract: Esters of spiro(bis)indane bis(carboxyphenyl ethers) are prepared by the reaction of spiro(bis)indane bisphenol di-(alkali metal) salts with nitro- or chloro-substituted benzoic acid esters, and may be converted to the free acids and thence to the acid chlorides. The latter are useful for preparation of macrocyclic polyamide oligomers.

Abstract: Cyclic polyamide oligomers are prepared by the reaction of various spirobiindane diamines, including spirobiindane bisphenol bis-aminophenoxy ethers, with dicarboxylic acid chloride such as isophthaloyl chloride. The oligomer compositions may be converted to copolyamides by reaction with lactams in the presence of basic reagents.

Abstract: Macrocyclic oligomers, including polycarbonates, polyesters, polyamides, polyimides, polyetherketones and polyethersulfones, are conveniently prepared from various spiro(bis)indane compounds, especially the 6,6'-difunctional 3,3',3'-tetramethylspiro(bis)indanes. The macrocyclic oligomers may be conveniently converted to linear polymers.