Abstract
The preparation of new novolacs from natural phenolic compounds such as vinillyl alcohol (2), o-vanillin (4), eugenol (6), and 2-allyl phenol (8) using the acid-catalyzed phenol-formaldehyde condensation or self-condensation is described. The eugenol novolac (7) was prepared by the hydrochloric acid-catalyzed polymerization of eugenol (6) with formaldehyde in good yield. The structure of 7 was supported by its 1H NMR and FT-IR spectra. Compound 7, which has a well-defined structure was soluble in THF, DMF, and acetone. The preparation of poly (vanillin) (3) by the acid-catalyzed self-condensation of vanillyl alcohol (2) is also discussed. These polymers are new artificial polyphenols and expected to be used as a medicine, antioxidant, etc. The functional novolacs having the allyl group (7, 9) have considerable material potential as a reactive polymer and an adhesive.
