Anionic inverse vulcanization of 3-methyleneazetidine for reusable adhesives

Abstract

In this work, 3-methyleneazetidine copolymerizes with elemental sulfur via an anionic pathway at 120 °C to afford high-sulfur-content polysulfides bearing amine functionalities. The strained four-membered heterocycle, featuring an exocyclic methylene group, initiates S₈ ring opening through its secondary amine, followed by anionic chain propagation and extensive cross-linking. The resulting materials contain dynamic S–S networks and function effectively as reusable wood adhesives.