Structurally-unique polymeric materials obtained through catalytic post-polymerization protocols

Polyolefins are organic polymers of great importance in everyday life, however, the lack of functional groups in their structure significantly limits their wider potential use. Therefore, development of efficient protocols based on catalytic or stoichiometric transformations and leading to functionalized polyolefins is a challenge worth taking on. Herein, we present a high-yield synthesis of a novel polymeric precursor containing side ethynylsilyl groups, and their subsequent functionalization through a wide range of transition metal-catalyzed reactions. The transformation of a versatile unsaturated polymeric precursor allowed us to obtain a library of hydrocarbon polymeric materials of unique structures with specific functional moieties, that are otherwise inaccessible, difficult or too expensive to be obtained by con-ventional polymerization techniques. The demonstrated approach opens new opportunities for the design and synthesis of polymers with properties precisely tailored to the target applications.(c) 2022 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Automated summary

This article presents a high-yield synthesis of a novel polymeric precursor and its subsequent functionalization through transition metal-catalyzed reactions. The demonstrated approach provides new opportunities for designing and synthesizing polymers with specific functional moieties.