Functionalized chalcogenide hybrid inorganic/organic polymers (CHIPs) via inverse vulcanization of elemental sulfur and vinylanilines

In this report, a new class of functional chalcogenide hybrid inorganic/organic polymers (CHIPs) bearing free aryl amine groups that are amenable to post-polymerization modifications were synthesized. These functional CHIPs were synthesized via the inverse vulcanization of elemental sulfur with 4-vinylaniline without the need for functional group protection of amines. This polymer is the first example of a polysulfide or CHIP material to carry a useful primary amine functional group which can be successfully post functionalized with acid chlorides and isocyanates to improve the mechanical properties.