Electrochemical polymerization of dicarboxylic acids-V. Effect of chain length between the carboxyl groups

The electrochemical polymerizations of suberic and azelaic acids were investigated in methanol: pyridine (1:1) and the results compared with those previously obtained for adipic and sebacic acids, to find out the effect of chain length between the carboxyl groups on formation of polymer and oligomeric side products. On passing from adipic to sebacic acid, the ratio of hydrocarbons formed to polymer decreased, polymer yield increased a little, and the extent of decarboxylation increased indicating a greater hydrocarbon structure to the polymers. This is reflected in the properties of the polymers; that obtained from adipic acid was degraded considerably on alkaline hydrolysis unlike those obtained from azelaic and sebacic acids which remained insoluble and high melting.