Polymerization of lactam ethers

Abstract

Abstract Preparation and polymerization of lactam ethers which contain an amide and an ether group in the same ring are described. Seven‐membered lactam ethers give relatively low molecular weight polymers with an anionic or cationic catalyst, while with diethylzinc as catalyst, the 2,7‐dimethyl lactam ether of a seven‐membered ring gives a crystalline polymer having a melting point of 220°C. A polymerization mechanism is discussed.