Film polymerization - A new route to the synthesis of insoluble polyimides containing functional nickel(II) Schiff base units in the main chain

The synthesis and characterization of a new, amino-derivatized functional bis(Sdlicylaldiminato)Ni-II complex is reported. It is a useful and reactive precursor in the synthesis of polyimide thermosets. Thus, the first synthesis of a polyimide containing a nonlinear optical Ni-II Schiff base complex in the main chain is achieved by thermally controlled film polymerization. Polymerization was monitored on silicon substrates by FT-IR spectroscopy. The polymer film possesses characteristics analogous to those of the insoluble polymer obtained by polymerization in solution, as evidenced by FTIR spectroscopy and TGA analysis. The present approach might represent a general strategy for achieving thin films of insoluble, functional polymers. ((C) Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004).