No catalyst alternating copolymerization of cyclic imino ethers

Abstract

Abstract This article presents first the general concept of “no catalyst alternating copolymerization”, in which a nucleophilic monomer M N is combined with an electrophilic monomer M E preferably in aprotic polar solvents to produce a zwitterion + M N –M E - , the key intermediate of the copolymerization. Then it describes some aspects of the new copolymerization. Cyclic imino ethers are empolyed as M N , which are combined with several electrophilic monomers such as β-propiolactone, acrylic acid, propanesultone, acrylamide, ethylenesulfonamide, hydroxyalkyl acrylate and cyclic acid anhydride. In all combinations except the last one with cyclic acid anhydride, 1:1 alternating copolymers were produced. In the last one, 2:1 alternating copolymers were formed. The scheme of each copolymerization is shown.