title: Metal-free activation in the anionic ring-opening polymerization of cyclopropane derivatives.
abstract: The successful activation observed when using Bu(t) P(4) phosphazene base and thiophenol or bisthiols for the anionic ring opening polymerization (ROP) of di-n-propyl cyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxylate is described. Well-defined monofunctional or difunctional polymers with a very narrow molecular weight distribution were obtained through a living process. Quantitative end-capping of the propagating malonate carbanion was accessible by using either an electrophilic reagent such as allyl bromide or a strong acid such as HCl. Kinetics studies demonstrated a much higher reactivity compared to the conventional route using alkali metal thiophenolates.
authors.affiliation: Institut de Chimie et Matériaux Paris-Est (ICMPE), Université Paris Est, CNRS, 94320 Thiais, France.
authors.forename: Nicolas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Illy
authors.forename: Sylvie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Boileau
authors.forename: Jacques
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Penelle
authors.forename: Valessa
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Barbier