Reversing RAFT Polymerization: Near-Quantitative Monomer Generation Via a Catalyst-Free Depolymerization Approach

Date

2022-03-16

Authors

Wang, Hyun Suk
Truong, Nghia P.
Pei, Zhipeng
Coote, Michelle
Anastasaki, Athina

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

American Chemical Society

Abstract

The ability to reverse controlled radical polymerization and regenerate the monomer would be highly beneficial for both fundamental research and applications, yet this has remained very challenging to achieve. Herein, we report a near-quantitative (up to 92%) and catalyst-free depolymerization of various linear, bulky, cross-linked, and functional polymethacrylates made by reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Key to our approach is to exploit the high end-group fidelity of RAFT polymers to generate chain-end radicals at 120 °C. These radicals trigger a rapid unzipping of both conventional (e.g., poly(methyl methacrylate)) and bulky (e.g., poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate)) polymers. Importantly, the depolymerization product can be utilized to either reconstruct the linear polymer or create an entirely new insoluble gel that can also be subjected to depolymerization. This work expands the potential of polymers made by controlled radical polymerization, pushes the boundaries of depolymerization, offers intriguing mechanistic aspects, and enables new applications.

Description

Keywords

polymerization, methacrylates, polymers

Citation

Source

Journal of the American Chemical Society

Type

Journal article

Book Title

Entity type

Access Statement

Open Access

License Rights

CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0

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