The advent of living polymerization has enabled the development of novel materials with precise control over polymer architecture and functionality. In particular, the robustness of ring-opening polymerization methods has contributed to their popularity. Looking forward, continued innovation in both polymer design and polymerization methodology will broaden the impact of organic materials in addressing pressing real-world issues. Herein, we present two such developments that expand the toolbox of polymer synthesis and improve performance in membrane materials for chemical separations. First, we describe a platform for postpolymerization modification based on the living cationic ring-opening polymerization of a 2-alkylthio-2-oxazoline. The method enjoys mild activation and substitution conditions to access a diversity of polyureas and polythiocarbamates with broad functional group tolerance. Second, we use ring-opening metathesis polymerization to realize an alternative design strategy for microporous materials used in gas separation membranes, wherein the unique architecture of a flexible backbone with rigid, three-dimensional side chains engenders ultrahigh permeability and record stability at high pressure. Modifications in polymer structure and chemical functionality shed light on structure–property relationships and promise improved selectivity performance.

Functional materials from living ring-opening polymerizations

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

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