Polyimidazopyrrolone model compounds.

Study of model reactions between phthalic anhydride and o-phenylenediamine under conditions analogous to the polymerization and post cyclization of dianhydrides with bis(o-diamines) to form polyimidazopyrrolones (Pyrrones). Solid-state thermal conversion of the amide-acid-amine affords a unique dimeric species containing amide, imide, and benzimidazole functions. It was confirmed that melt techniques lead to disproportionation products. The application of these findings to related polymer syntheses is discussed.