Synthesis, spectral, thermal, and flammability studies of phenolphthalein polyphosphate esters

Polyphosphate esters were synthesized from phenolphthalein and aryl phosphorodichloridates by interfacial polycondensation using a phase transfer catalyst. The polymers were characterized by IR, ¹H-, ¹³C-, and ³¹P-NMR spectroscopy. The molecular weights were calculated by end group analysis using ³¹P-NMR spectral data. The thermal stability of the polymers was studied by thermogravimetry and the flammability was investigated by measuring limiting oxygen index values.