Synthesis of Well-Defined Poly((vinyl alcohol)₂-<i>a</i><i>lt</i>-methylene) via Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization

Abstract

The synthesis of a new methylene−(vinyl alcohol) copolymer, poly((vinyl alcohol) 2 - alt -methylene) (MVOH), by ring-opening metathesis polymerization with ruthenium catalysts is reported. Unsaturated cyclic 1,3-diols were protected with a di- tert -butylsilyl group to form strained cyclic olefins. The molecular weights of the polymers were controlled by varying the monomer-to-catalyst ratios or by the addition of a chain transfer agent. Hydrogenation and subsequent deprotection of the ROMP polymers yield the MVOH copolymer structure which was confirmed by 1 H NMR and 13 C NMR spectroscopies. Thermal properties of the corresponding MVOH copolymer are reported.