Poly(β-trimethylsilyloxy ester): A Degradable Polymer Based on Retro Mukaiyama Aldol Reaction

We herein report a new type of degradable poly(β-trimethylsilyloxy ester) prepared by the organocatalyzed Mukaiyama aldol polyaddition between bis(silyl ketene acetal)s and dialdehydes. Specifically, the t-Bu-P₄ -catalyzed polyaddition between 1,2-bis[2-methyl-1-(trimethylsiloxy)prop-1-enyloxy]ethane (MTS₂ ) and 4,4'-biphenyldicarboxaldehyde (BPDA) or butane-1,4-diyl bis(4-formylbenzoate) (BDA) can produce poly(β-trimethylsilyloxy ester)s with number-average molar mass greater than 10 kg mol^-1 . For the first time, we find these poly(β-trimethylsilyloxy ester)s are degradable in solution in presence of nucleophiles such as fluoride and cyanide anions. We also find that the degradation behavior of poly(β-trimethylsilyloxy ester)s is highly dependent on the nature of the used catalyst, and the bond scission in polymer is fundamentally rooted in the retro Mukaiyama aldol reaction mechanism. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.