Main-chain/Side-chain type Phosphine Oxide-Containing Reactive Polymers Derived from same Monomer: Controllable RAFT Polymerisation and ring-opening Polycondensation

This paper reports the synthesis and selective polymerisations of an epoxy-rich phosphine oxide-containing styrenic monomer, namely 4-vinylbenzyl-bis((oxiran-2-ylmethoxy)methyl) phosphine oxide (VBzBOPO). The styryl and epoxy functionalities could be polymerized independently through...

Epoxy-functionalised 4-vinylguaiacol for the synthesis of bio-based, degradable star polymers via a RAFT/ROCOP strategy

An epoxy derivative of a naturally occuring vinylphenolic compound, 4-vinylguaiacol, was polymerised using a RAFT/ROCOP strategy and produced ester cross-linked star polymers which could be selectively degraded under acid conditions.

Synergetic effect of the epoxide functional groups in the photocatalyzed atom transfer radical copolymerization of glycidyl methacrylate

Methyl methacrylate (MMA) and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) were copolymerized by photocatalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization under visible light irradiation. The polymerization was made faster by the epoxide group, which played the role of a reducing agent and thus favored the regeneration of the activator.

Recent Progress on Transition Metal Catalyst Separation and Recycling in ATRP

Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) is a versatile and robust tool to synthesize a wide spectrum of monomers with various designable structures. However, it usually needs large amounts of transition metal as the catalyst to mediate the equilibrium between the dormant and propagating species. Unfortunately, the catalyst residue may contaminate or color the resultant polymers, which limits its application, especially in biomedical and electronic materials. How to efficiently and economically remove or reduce the catalyst residue from its products is a challenging and encouraging task. Herein, recent advances in catalyst separation and recycling are highlighted with a focus on (1) highly active ppm level transition metal or metal free catalyzed ATRP; (2) post-purification method; (3) various soluble, insoluble, immobilized/soluble, and reversible supported catalyst systems; and (4) liquid-liquid biphasic catalyzed systems, especially thermo-regulated catalysis systems.