Chain extension of oligodiols by means of cyclic acetals

Abstract

Abstract We have studied the reaction of 1,3‐dioxolane with trifluoromethanesulfonic acid in the presence of α,ω‐dihydroxypolytetrahydrofurane and α,ω ‐ dihydroxypolystyrene. Besides polymerization of 1,3‐dioxolane we have observed the occurence of a fast coupling reaction between the initial oligodiols. The mechanism has been studied using a monohydroxylated polystyrene and a model compound, 3‐phenyl‐1‐butanol. We have shown that coupling takes places through transacetalization even under the mild conditions used Ethylene glycol is produced and an acetal bridge is formed between oligodiols. Conditions have been found where high‐molecular‐weight polymer is formed through this polycondensation, in the absence of homopoly(1,3‐dioxolane).