Amine-bearing cyclic ketene acetals for pH-responsive and degradable polyesters through radical ring-opening polymerisation

Abstract

A series of previously unreported amine-bearing cyclic ketene acetals (CKAs) furnished with different alkyl-substituents were prepared. These CKAs pave the way for a new range of pH-responsive and degradable polyesters from radical ring-opening polymerisation (RROP). CKA 2-methylene-1,3,6-trioxocane (MTC) was copolymerised with the amine-bearing CKAs to obtain a range of new degradable smart copolymers. Varying the type and amount of amine-bearing CKA allowed to fine-tune the value of the polymers, showcasing the versatility of this approach.