Synthesis and characterization of a novel functional monomer containing cyano and propenylphenoxy groups and the properties of its copolymer with bismaleimide (BMI)

A novel functional monomer containing cyano and propenylphenoxy groups, 2,6‐di{2‐(E)‐l‐propenyl]phenoxy}benzonitrile (DPPB) was prepared with high stereospecificity by the reaction of 2,6‐dichlorobenzonitrile and 2‐allylphenol in a mixed solvent system of N‐methylpyrrolidone (NMP)/toluene in the presence of anhydrous potassium carbonate. The chemical structure of the product was characterized by FTIR, ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR. The monomer was then used to modify a popular commercial bismaleimide, 4,4‐bismaleimidodiphenylmethane (BMDPM), for improving the shear strength of the resin. The results showed that the modified resin could attain 4.7 times the shear strength of neat BMDPM and good heat resistance when the composition of DPPB in the modified resin was 45% (by weight). © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry