Concurrent Cationic Vinyl-Addition and Ring-Opening Copolymerization Using B(C₆F₅)₃ as a Catalyst: Copolymerization of Vinyl Ethers and Isobutylene Oxide via Crossover Propagation Reactions

Abstract

Alkyl vinyl ethers and isobutylene oxide were concurrently copolymerized through cationic vinyl addition and ring opening using B­(C₆F₅)₃ as a catalyst. NMR analyses and acid hydrolysis of the products demonstrated that the copolymerization successfully proceeded through crossover reactions between vinyl and cyclic monomers to yield multiblock-like copolymers. Appropriate catalyst and monomer combinations with suitable reactivities were key for copolymerization