Concurrent Cationic Vinyl-Addition and Ring-Opening Copolymerization Using B(C₆F₅)₃ as a Catalyst: Copolymerization of Vinyl Ethers and Isobutylene Oxide via Crossover Propagation Reactions

Abstract

Alkyl vinyl ethers and isobutylene oxide were concurrently copolymerized through cationic vinyl addition and ring opening using B(C6F5)3 as a catalyst. NMR analyses and acid hydrolysis of the products demonstrated that the copolymerization successfully proceeded through crossover reactions between vinyl and cyclic monomers to yield multiblock-like copolymers. Appropriate catalyst and monomer combinations with suitable reactivities were key for copolymerization.