Step-Growth Polymerisation of Alkyl Acrylates via Concomitant Oxa-Michael and Transesterification Reactions

Herein we propose an auto-tandem catalytic approach towards the preparation of poly(ester-ether)s from simple alkyl acrylates and diols. By combining oxa-Michael addition with transesterification the preparation of hydroxy functionalised acrylate monomers can be avoided.<br /

Poly(ether)s derived from oxa-Michael polymerization - A comprehensive review

Poly(ether)s represent an important class of polymers and are typically formed by ring-opening polymerization, Williamson ether synthesis or self-condensation of alcohols. The oxa-Michael reaction presents another method to form poly(ether)s with additional functional groups in the polymer backbone starting from di- or triols and electron deficient olefins such as acrylates, sulfones or acrylamides. However, research on oxa-Michael polymerization is still limited. Herein, we outline the principles of the oxa-Michael polymerization and focus on the synthesis and preparation of poly(ether-sulfone)s, poly(ether-ester)s, poly(ether)s and poly(ether-amide)s. Further, challenges as well as future perspectives of the oxa-Michael polymerization are discussed

Water as monomer: Synthesis of an aliphatic polyethersulfone from divinyl sulfone and water

Using water as monomer in polymerization reactions presents a unique and exquisite strategy towards more sustainable chemistry. Herein, the feasibility thereof is demonstrated by the introduction of the oxa-Michael polyaddition of water and divinyl sulfone. Upon nucleophilic or base catalysis, the corresponding aliphatic polyethersulfone is obtained in an interfacial polymerization at room temperature in high yield (> 97%) within an hour. The polyethersulfone is characterized by relatively high molar mass averages and a dispersity around 2.5. The polymer was tested as a solid polymer electrolyte with lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) as salt. Free standing amorphous membranes were prepared by a melt process in a solvent free manner. The polymer electrolyte containing 15 wt.% LiTFSI featured an oxidation stability of up to 5.5 V vs. Li/Li+ at 45 °C and a conductivity of 1.45 × 10-8 S/cm at room temperature