Among controlled polymerizations, ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) provides a unique synthetic access to polymers with high structural diversity. Modifications of both the monomer and the catalyst/initiator alkylidene indeed enable the preparation of macromolecules with great control over atomic composition, molar masses, and alkene geometry. As a result, ROMP has been used to prepare polymers with tunable properties and functions. However, the introduction of strongly Lewis basic sites in ROMP monomers generally impede polymerization by poisoning the propagating alkylidene. In an effort to expand the scope of N-containing ROMP monomers, we will present our approach to a new family of monomers obtained through aryne chemistry and our subsequent study of their controlled polymerization. The kinetics of this process reveal that careful design of the monomer structure is necessary to permit a controlled polymerization. Finally, the thermal properties of these unique polymers will be discussed, as well as their potential applications as pH-responsive materials.

Ring-opening metathesis polymerization of aryne-derived monomers for the preparation of Lewis-basic polymers with unique properties

ACS Spring 2022

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