Polyphosphazenes

Literature 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. Römer, 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.