Phosphazene base promoted anionic polymerization of n-butyraldehyde

Abstract

The polymerization of n-butyraldehyde, via a metal-free organocatalytic anionic polymerization method was successfully conducted with the phosphazene bases P2-t-Bu and P4-t-Bu. Well-defined poly(n-butyraldehdye) (PBA), with predictable molar masses and low molar mass dispersities (Ð) were accessed when the polymerization of n-butyraldehyde was promoted by P2-t-Bu. Effects of important parameters, including initiator/phosphazene base ratio and solvent polarity were assessed. The facile degradability of PBA, under benign conditions, was demonstrated, suggesting potential applications in systems requiring well-defined ‘self-immolative’ polymers, without metal ion contamination.