7579. Polyphosphazenes

Description and references

Polymers containing an inorganic backbone of alternating nitrogen and phosphorus atoms substituted with very long chains of skeletal atoms. They exist as glasses, flexible solids, or rubbery solids with a low tendency for crystallization; non-flammable and more elastic than carbon-backbone polymers. Prepn of the first polyphosphazene, hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene: J. Liebig, Ann. 11, 139 (1834). Improved synthesis and basis of modern mfg methods: R. Schenck, G. R"omer, Ber. 57B, 1343 (1924). Review of syntheses, properties, chemistry and applications: H. R. Allcock, Science 193, 1214-1219 (1976); idem, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 16, 147-156 (1977); E. N. Peters, “Inorganic High Polymers”, in Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology vol. 13 (Wiley-Interscience, New York, 3rd ed., 1981) pp 398-413.