Despite their simple structure, the polymerization of strained cyclic amines is surprisingly complex. For example, azetidine exclusively polymerizes via a cationic mechanism to form hyperbranched poly(trimethylenimine) (bPTMI). In an effort to control the polymerization of azetidines, we are studying activated azetidines with electron withdrawing groups situated on the nitrogen atom. We will present data that shows that these activated azetidines undergo anionic ring-opening polymerizations to form linear polymers and these polymerizations can be controlled.

Anionic ring-opening polymerization of activated azetidines

255th National Meeting (2018)

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