Control of molecular weight distribution in polycondensation polymers 2. Poly(ether ketone) synthesis

Synthesis of aromatic poly(ether ketone) (3) with a narrow molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) was investigated via polycondensation. Mns of 3 could be controlled varying the feed ratio of monomer (1) and initiator (2) maintaining relatively narrow Mw/Mns (<1.3). The kinetics of polycondensation obeyed a first-order relationship between polycondensation time and –(1/[2]0) ln([1]/[1]0), and the rate of polycondensation was estimated as 2.57 mol−1 L h−1. MALDI-TOF mass analysis of 3 indicated that polycondensation should proceed via chain growth manner to give 3 having an initiator unit in each chain end.