Design of Graft Architectures via Simultaneous Kinetic Control of Cationic Vinyl-Addition Polymerization of Vinyl Ethers, Coordination Ring-Opening Polymerization of Cyclic Esters, and Merging at the Propagating Chain End

Abstract

Versatile graft architectures were synthesized in one shot via simultaneous controlled cationic vinyl-addition polymerization of vinyl ethers (VEs) and coordination ring-opening polymerization of cyclic esters (CEs). Graft copolymers were generated via independent propagation reactions and transient incorporation of a poly(CE) chain into the side chain of the poly(VE) propagating end via the exchange of alkoxy groups. In this mechanism, the grafting density and grafting length of a copolymer were designable by tuning the rates of each propagation reaction and the exchange reaction. As a result of a systematic investigation, the effects of polymerization conditions, such as the kinds and concentrations of monomers and catalysts, on the rate of each reaction were revealed and a design principle of various graft architectures was established. Notably, a copolymer with a remarkably high grafting density was obtained [max. 88% of poly(VE) side chains were substituted with poly(CE) chains] when a VE with an ethylenedioxy side chain was used with a titanium catalyst. The specific interaction of an ethylenedioxy unit and a titanium catalyst was key to the high grafting density.