Sequence‐Controlled Polymers with Furan‐Protected Maleimide as a Latent Monomer

Abstract

AbstractHerein, a novel methodology for preparing sequence‐controlled polymers is illustrated by using a latent monomer, furan protected maleimide (FMI). At 110 °C, FMI is deprotected by retro Diels–Alder (rDA) reaction, and the released MI is immediately involved in the cross‐polymerization with styrene (St) to deliver heterosegments. At 40 °C the rDA reaction does not proceed, therefore homo‐poly(styrene) segments are produced. By implementing programmable temperature changes during polymerization of St and FMI, “living” polymers with tailored a sequence are created. A ternary copolymerization produces complex sequences as designed. Alkynyl‐functionalized FMI, used as a latent monomer, leads to the desirable placement of functional groups along the polymer chain. This latent‐monomer‐based strategy opens a new avenue for fabricating sequence‐controlled polymers.