Directly using H₂S to Synthesize Crystalline Poly(thioether‐ester)s via Organocatalysis

Abstract

The direct utilization of H2S in polymerization is rarely reported. Here we report step polymerization of H2S and diacrylates using commercially available organic bases as the catalysts. Poly(thioether‐ester)s were successfully synthesized in atom‐economical way, as confirmed by 1H NMR spectra, and the molecular weights of these poly(thioether‐ester)s could be up to 64.7 kDa as determined by the gel permeation chromatography, which also shows the polymerization of H2S with diacrylates is stepwise manner. The calculation results shows that H2S was firstly deprotonated by organic base, and the generated HS‐ attacked the double bond of diacrylates through anionic Michael addition, to form the intermediate with double bond and ‐SH ends or two ‐SH ends (slight excess H2S used). The continuous self‐Michael addition of the polymer species with double bond and ‐SH ends is the main manner for chain growth. The resultant polymers exhibit the tensile strength and elongation at break of as high as 21.6 MPa and 1031%, respectively and could be chemically recycled. This work provides a facile and atom‐economical method to produce sulfur‐containing polymers by directly using commercially available H2S.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved