Post-polymerization modification of poly(vinyl ether)s: a Ru-catalyzed oxidative synthesis of poly(vinyl ester)s and poly(propenyl ester)s

Abstract

Poly(vinyl ester)s were readily prepared via a ruthenium catalyzed C–H oxidation of the corresponding poly(vinyl ether)s under mild conditions. The transformations were efficient and in many cases proceeded without significant chain cleavage. The method was also successfully used to prepare high molecular weight poly(propenyl ester) for the first time as well as a polyester with a relatively high content (>50%) of γ-butyrolactone repeat unit from poly(tetrahydrofuran). The polymeric products were characterized via FT-IR spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, and other techniques.