Journal of Polymer Science Part A: Polymer Chemistry, Vol.32, No.13, 2469-2477, 1994
Acyclic Diene Metathesis (Admet) Depolymerization of Functionalized Furan-Based Polymers
Acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) depolymerization of functionalized furan-based polymers prepared via aqueous ring-opening polymerization of 7-oxanobornenes has been investigated. Results indicate that while very high molecular weight poly[exo-N-methyl-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1] hept-2,5-diene-2,3-dicarboximide] can be depolymerized to oligomers with ease, poly [2,3-dicarbomethoxy-7-oxabicyclo [2.2.1] hept-2,5-diene] is more resistant to depolymerization under similar conditions. This difference may be due to differential interaction of the carbonyls in the side chains with the metal atom of the catalyst in the proposed metallacyclobutane intermediate. ADMET depolymerization of poly [2,3-bis( trifluoromethyl) 7-oxabicyclo [2.2.1] hept-2,5-diene] was feasible, however, the extent of depolymerization was decreased due to the use of a coordinating solvent (THF) used during the depolymerization process.