4,4′-Dichlorodiphenyl sulfone (DCDPS) is an organic compound with the formula (ClC6H4)2SO2. Classified as a sulfone, this white solid is most commonly used as a precursor to polymers that are rigid and temperature-resistant such as PES and Udel.

Synthesis and reactions DCDPS is synthesized via sulfonation of chlorobenzene with sulfuric acid, often in the presence of various additives to optimize the formation of the 4,4′-isomer: ClC6H5 + SO3 → (ClC6H4)2SO2 + H2O It can also be produced by chlorination of diphenylsulfone.

With chloride substituents susceptible to substitution, DCDPS is useful in the production of polysulfones. One such polymer, victrex, is prepared by the reaction of DCDPS with 4,4′-sulfonylbisphenol (bisphenol S). Similarly DCDPS reacts with bisphenol-A to give the polymer called Udel. These condensations are represented as follows: n (ClC6H4)2SO2 + n NaO−X−ONa → [(O−X−OC6H4)2SO2]n + 2n NaCl

Further reading

Radel PPSU, Veradel PESU and Acudel modified PPSU Design Guide by Solvay

References