An electrochemical Hofmann rearrangement on acrylamide copolymers

Abstract

The primary amide side-chain of acrylamide copolymers has been utilised as an isocyanate surrogate. The isocyanate is formed under mild conditions via an electrochemical Hofmann rearrangement resulting in the formation of O-alkyl carbamate side-chains in alcohol solvents. This represents a new strategy for the modification of amide-functionalised (co)polymers.