Synthesis and Post-Polymerization Modification of Defined Functional Poly(vinyl ether)s

Abstract

Living cationic polymerization is known for a good control over chain growth yielding polymers with well-defined molar mass distributions and low dispersities. However, the practical challenges involved in the synthesis of poly(vinyl ether)s limited suitable post-polymerization modifications (PPM) via chemoselective click reactions. Herein the successful controlled cationic polymerization of vinyl ethers bearing pendant C-C double and C≡C triple bonds using a single-component initiation under ambient conditions is reported. Furthermore, the PPM via thiol-ene/-yne and copper(I)-catalyzed alkyne-azide cycloaddition reaction of the obtained polymers is successfully realized laying the foundation for the synthesis of unprecedented functional poly(vinyl ether)s.