Exploring the synthesis of poly(azomethine-ester) through oxidative polycondensation of salicylaldehyde schiff bases

This work outlines the synthesis of Schiff base derivatives through the reaction of O-acyl salicylaldehyde with diverse amines, facilitated by ethanol as a solvent. The derivatives were structurally analyzed using ¹H and ¹³C-NMR, FT-IR, and LC–MS techniques. The Schiff base derivative, bearing a phenol moiety, subsequently underwent oxidative polycondensation reaction in water, employing NaOCl as the mild and safe oxidant, presenting a sustainable alternative to conventional methods. The polymer was then subjected to investigations using ¹H-NMR, FT-IR, DSC, TGA, SEM, and EDX spectroscopies, revealing exceptional thermal stability suitable for high-temperature applications. The results not only contribute to the development of poly(azomethine-ester) but also highlight the importance of adopting environmentally friendly methodologies in materials synthesis. The findings highlight the potential biological applications of the imine linkage and emphasize the use of green chemistry principles to promote sustainability in synthetic chemistry practices.