Synthesis of functional and architectural polyethers via the anionic ring-opening polymerization of epoxide monomers using a phosphazene base catalyst

Abstract

This focused review provides an overview of our recent work and related research regarding the precise anionic ring-opening polymerization (AROP) of substituted epoxides, including alkylene oxides, glycidyl ethers, and glycidyl amines, using t-Bu-P4 as the phosphazene base catalyst to produce functional polyethers, such as homopolymers, block copolymers (BCPs), and topologically unique polymers. First, the fundamental aspects and applicable monomer scope of t-Bu-P4-catalyzed AROP are discussed. Subsequently, the applications of well-defined polyethers prepared via t-Bu-P4-catalyzed AROP to develop functional materials, such as thermoresponsive polymers and Li+ conducting polymers, are discussed. Finally, the utility of t-Bu-P4-catalyzed AROP in the precise synthesis of star-shaped, cyclic, and multicyclic polymers is presented. Overall, we intend to illustrate the exploitable utility of the present polymerization system for fundamental and advanced polymer research. This focused review provides an overview of our recent work and related research regarding the precise anionic ring-opening polymerization (AROP) of substituted epoxides, including alkylene oxides, glycidyl ethers, and glycidyl amines, using t-Bu-P4 as the phosphazene base catalyst to produce functional polyethers, such as homopolymers, block copolymers (BCPs), and topologically unique polymers. First, the fundamental aspects and applicable monomer scope of the t-Bu-P4-catalyzed AROP are discussed. Subsequently, the applications of the AROP system for synthesizing functional materials and architectural polymers are presented.