like are modified based on the exact target molecular weight desired the endpoint of the polymerization is conveniently determined with an in line viscosity meter although other methods such as making molecular weight measurements running to a predetermined reaction time controlling to a specified end group concentration or the oxygen concentration in solution may also be utilized after the end of the oxidative coupling reaction as determined by the desired molecular weight of the ppe at least one phenolic compound is added to the reaction mixture and allowed to circulate while maintaining the temperature preferably between about 200 and about 150 u00b0 c preferably between about 60 u00b0 and 80 u00b0 c the reaction mixture is maintained at temperature for about 30 to about 90 minutes although longer times are possible during this redistribution step the flow of oxygen has been preferably halted as the oxidative coupling has been completed generally higher redistribution conversions are obtained under air as opposed to nitrogen in the process of the invention the functionalized phenolic compound is chosen from the following wherein r 1 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group and x represents an allyl group an amino group a protected amino group e g protected by a tertiary butyl carbonate a carboxyl group a hydroxy group an ester group or a thiol group wherein r 1 is an alkyl group when x represents an hydroxy group or an ester group wherein x may be separated from the.