Precise construction of weather-sensitive poly(ester-alt-thioesters) from phthalic thioanhydride and oxetane

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Catalysis
• Materials Science

Background:

• Ring-opening polymerization (ROP) is a key method for synthesizing polymers.
• Thioester linkages offer potential for enhanced polymer degradability compared to traditional ester linkages.
• Developing efficient catalysts for copolymerization of cyclic monomers remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To achieve selective ring opening copolymerisation (ROCOP) of oxetane and phthalic thioanhydride.
• To synthesize novel semi-crystalline alternating poly(ester-alt-thioesters).
• To investigate the impact of thioester linkages on polymer degradability.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a heterobimetallic chromium(III)-potassium (Cr(III)K) catalyst.
• Performed selective ring opening copolymerisation (ROCOP) of oxetane and phthalic thioanhydride.
• Characterized the resulting polymer structure and properties, including crystallinity and degradability.

Main Results:

• Achieved precise synthesis of semi-crystalline alternating poly(ester-alt-thioesters).
• Demonstrated the effectiveness of the Cr(III)K catalyst in controlling the copolymerization process.
• Observed improved degradability in the synthesized polymers attributed to the thioester backbone.

Conclusions:

• The heterobimetallic Cr(III)K catalyst enables efficient ROCOP for producing advanced thioester-containing polymers.
• The resulting poly(ester-alt-thioesters) exhibit enhanced degradability, presenting a promising avenue for sustainable materials.
• This work expands the scope of ROP for creating functional polymers with tailored properties.