Synthesis and properties of new functionalized poly(imides) based on 1,1-bis(4-aminophenyl)-1-z{4′-bis(4′’-bromophenyl)amino}phenyl-2,2,2-trifluoroethane

A new aromatic diamine, 1,1-bis(4-aminophenyl)-1-{4′-bis(4″-bromophenyl)amino}phenyl-2,2,2-trifluoroethane, is synthesized. Its interaction with various dianhydrides of aromatic carboxylic acids via high-temperature polycondensation yields a number of new functionalized poly(imides) combining high thermal and mechanical characteristics with solubility in organic solvents. The values of Tg vary from 208 to 230°C, and temperatures corresponding to 10% weight loss fall within the intervals 330–370 and 550–660°C (in air and argon, respectively). Spectroelectrochemical characteristics of poly(imides) are studied by cyclic voltammetry and UV-VIS spectrometry. Poly(imides) exhibit high reversible stability of electrochromic properties, and their color changes from colorless (the neutral form) to green (the oxidized form) as the applied potential is varied from 0 to 1.25 V.