Catenanes are topologically interesting molecules composed of two or more mechanically interlocked rings. Over the years, various methods have been reported to synthesize low molecular weight catenanes facilitated by inter- and intramolecular interactions. However, synthesis of comparatively high molecular weight catenanes remains a synthetic challenge. We report the synthesis of catenated poly(caprolactone) via a ring expansion strategy from a supramolecularly templated initiator. This approach allowed a high yielding synthesis and simple isolation method of the target catenated polymer. To obtain the catenated polymer free of Sn, alkene-terminated caprolactone monomers were also copolymerized secondly and intramolecular cross linking will result the stable catenated polymer.

Synthesis catenated poly(caprolactone) via ring-expansion strategy

246th National Meeting (2013)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.