Acetal-Based Functional Epoxide Monomers: Polymerizations and Applications

Protecting group chemistry is essential for various organic transformation and polymerization processes. In particular, conventional anionic ring-opening polymerization (AROP) often requires proper protecting group chemistry because it is typically incompatible with most functional groups due to the highly basic and nucleophilic conditions. In this context, many functional epoxide monomers with proper protecting groups are developed, including the acetal group as a representative example. Since the early introduction of ethoxyethyl glycidyl ether, there is significant development of acetal-based monomers in the polyethers. These monomers are now utilized not only as protecting groups for hydroxyl groups under AROP conditions but also as pH-responsive moieties for biomedical applications, further expanding their utility in the use of functionalized polyethers. Recent progress in this field is outlined from their synthesis, polymerization, and biomedical applications.

Automated summary

Protecting group chemistry is crucial for various organic transformations and polymerization processes, particularly in conventional anionic ring-opening polymerization (AROP). Functional epoxide monomers with proper protecting groups, such as acetal groups, have been developed for use as protecting groups under AROP conditions and pH-responsive moieties for biomedical applications. Recent advancements in the synthesis, polymerization, and biomedical applications of acetal-based monomers in polyethers have expanded their utility in functionalized polyethers.