Mitsunobu Functionalization of Poly(vinyl alcohol) Derivatives^†

Abstract

Polymer functionalization is a powerful tool to prepare polymers with diverse structures without the need of synthesizing monomers or performing polymerization reactions. Polymers that are difficult to be synthesized using direct polymerization reactions can be accessed using polymer functionalization. We herein present Mitsunobu derivatization of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) to convert the hydroxyl groups into diverse functional groups. Partial acetalation strategy is applied to improve solubility of the PVA derivatives in tetrahydrofuran, and more importantly, the acetals can act as protecting groups so that functionalized copolymers are produced. Diverse functions can be introduced into PVA derivatives by installing different functional groups. Transparent, colorless, flexible, and scalable UV-shielding membranes are conveniently prepared in one step using this method.