A novel depolymerization route to phosphorus-containing oligocarbonates

The interaction of poly[2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanecarbonate] (PC) with phosphonic acid dialkyl esters [(RO)2P(O)H, where RCH3 or CH3CH2] or with phosphoric acid triethyl ester (CH3CH2O)3P(O) was studied. Treatment of PC pellets with phosphonic acid dialkyl esters at 160°C or with triethyl phosphate at 180°C yielded phosphorus-containing oligocarbonates. The structure of the phosphorus-containing oligocarbonates was studied by 31P NMR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy.