Lignin-Inspired Polybenzylethersulfone Synthesis via S_NAr Reaction

A new type of lignin-inspired polybenzylethersulfone (PBES) is synthesized by SNAr reaction in 75% yield. Success of the polymerization is confirmed by ATR-IR, H-1, C-13 NMR spectroscopy and MALDI-TOF MS. The obtained polysulfone is solvent casted into a film which displays high thermal and chemical stability. Treatment with 33% HBr in acetic acid leads to degradation of the material. The isolated degradation products are identified and repolymerized back into PBES demonstrating the opportunity for chemical recycling of this new polymer.