Polychlorohydrins

Polychlorohydrins are a class of polymers that contain chlorohydrin functional groups within their repeating units. These functional groups consist of a hydroxyl group (-OH) and a chlorine atom (-Cl) attached to adjacent carbon atoms. The general structure can be represented as [-CH(OH)-CH(Cl)-]n or similar variations depending on the specific monomer used.

These polymers are typically synthesized through the ring-opening polymerization of epoxides in the presence of a chloride source, or through the chlorination of polyols. The resulting polychlorohydrins can exhibit a range of properties depending on their molecular weight, degree of chlorination, and the specific backbone structure.

Polychlorohydrins have found applications in various fields. They can serve as intermediates in the synthesis of other polymers and specialty chemicals due to the reactivity of the chlorohydrin groups. These groups can undergo further reactions, such as cyclization to form epoxides or substitution reactions. Some polychlorohydrins have been investigated for their potential use as flame retardants or in coatings and adhesives. The presence of both polar hydroxyl and electronegative chlorine atoms can influence their solubility and adhesion characteristics. Research continues to explore new synthetic routes and applications for these versatile polymers.