Recent work on entropically-driven ring-opening polymerizations: some potential applications

Hodge, P. and Colquhoun, H.M. (2004) Recent work on entropically-driven ring-opening polymerizations: some potential applications. Polymers for Advanced Technologies, 16 (2-3). pp. 84-94. ISSN 1042-7147 doi: 10.1002/pat.555

Abstract/Summary

The entropically-driven ring-opening polymerization of macrocyclic monomers (> ca. 14 ring atoms per repeat unit) and/or macrocyclic oligomers is a relatively new method of polymer synthesis that exploits the well-known phenomenon of ring-chain equilibria. It attracts interest because of its novel features. For example, these ring-opening polymerizations emit no volatiles and little or no heat. This review considers the principles of entropically-driven ring-opening polymerizations, gives selected examples and discusses potential applications. The latter include micromolding, high throughput syntheses and the synthesis of supramolecular polymers. Copyright (c) 2005 John Wiley T Sons, Ltd.