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Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Depolymerizable Olefinic Polymers Based on Fused-Ring Cyclooctene Monomers
Published on: December 16, 2022
Application of stereoselective ether transfer to the synthesis of isotactic polyethers
Kai Liu1, Joseph W Arico, Richard E Taylor
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Walther Cancer Research Center, University of Notre Dame, 251 Nieuwland Science Hall, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556-5670, USA.
Abstract:
An efficient, convergent synthetic strategy has been developed which enables the synthesis of a series of naturally occurring isotactic polymethoxy compounds. Ether transfer followed by a hydride workup enables simultaneous, diastereoselective production of two methoxy centers in a single step. High yields and diastereoselectivity are observed even in stereochemically rich, polyoxygenated systems. Direct generation of bis-methyl ether moieties from methoxymethyl ethers minimizes the need for typical protective group strategies and the use of expensive methyl transfer reagents. Moreover, the simultaneous generation of a terminal primary iodide serves as a coupling partner for the generation of higher order congeners.
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