Aldol‐group‐transfer polymerization of 2‐phenyl‐1,3,2‐dioxaborole. Preparation of graft and comb‐like polymers

Abstract

The aldol-group-transfer polymerization of 2-phenyl-1,3,2-dioxaborole is described. By initiation with aldehydes the molecular weights of the polymers can be controlled through the mole ratio of initiator to monomer, ranging between 700-130000. The phenylboronic ester groups can be removed from the polymer, yielding polymers carrying a hydroxyl group at each carbon atom of the chain. It was also possible to prepare polymerizable macromonomers by initiation with 4-vinylbenzaldehyde. Polymerization of the macromonomers by radical initiation yields comb-like arrangements. Similar polymers can be obtained by grafting phenyl-l,3,2dioxaborole onto a polymer containing benzaldehyde moieties in the side chains.) 5 which is a (2)-ethenediolate boronic ester.