Issue 12, 2021

Protecting-group-free synthesis of thiol-functionalized degradable polyesters

Abstract

Thiol-functionalized degradable polyesters have significant applications in nanoscience and polymer chemistry due to the combination of the biodegradability and biocompatibility of polyesters and the special chemical and physical properties of thiols. It is challenging to synthesize thiol-functionalized polyesters via ring-opening polymerization by using unprotected mercapto-alcohol as an initiator because both hydroxyl and thiol have the ability to initiate the polymerization. Since 2005, the protecting-group-free synthetic strategy has been reported based on chemoselective catalysis and microflow technology. In this review, non-metal and metal catalytic unprotected mercapto-alcohol initiating ring-opening polymerization is summarized in order. The advantages of using flow chemistry are highlighted. The remaining challenges and opportunities are discussed for the development of thiol-polymer synthesis and applications.

Graphical abstract: Protecting-group-free synthesis of thiol-functionalized degradable polyesters

Article information

Article type
Minireview
Submitted
04 1 2021
Accepted
21 2 2021
First published
22 2 2021

Polym. Chem., 2021,12, 1749-1757

Protecting-group-free synthesis of thiol-functionalized degradable polyesters

Y. Liu, F. Yin, X. Hu, N. Zhu and K. Guo, Polym. Chem., 2021, 12, 1749 DOI: 10.1039/D1PY00014D

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