This article describes poly(benzyl
ethers) that depolymerize from
head-to-tail when an end-cap on the terminus of the polymer is cleaved
from the polymer through a specific activity-based detection event.
The polymers are prepared in high yields with short polymerization
times and are accessible in lengths extending to thousands of repeating
units. End-caps are introduced with a variety of functional groups,
which provides access to polymers with selective response properties.
The end-capped polymers are stable to acid, base, and heat, but depolymerize
completely within minutes of removal of the end-cap and treatment
of the un-end-capped polymer with base.
Straightforward modifications to quinone methide monomers creates self-immolative poly(benzyl ethers) that enable room temperature separation and recycling of plastics.
This review describes new types of smart materials that have the dual capabilities of responding to selective signals and providing an amplified response. Amplification arises from a signal-induced depolymerization reaction, where a single signaling event causes an entire polymer to convert to small molecules. When incorporated into a material, depolymerization of these polymers causes a change in shape, internal structure, or surfaces properties of the material. Moreover, the small molecules arising from depolymerization can play a role in the amplified response, particularly when they provide a secondary function (e.g., production of color or fluorescence). A brief overview of the current examples of linear depolymerizable polymers is provided, as are representative proof-of-concept applications of these polymers in the context of diagnostics and materials that remodel themselves and/or their surroundings. Together, these examples highlight the potential of this new class of polymers to provide unique and dramatic function to stimuli-responsive materials.
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