Water as a monomer: synthesis of an aliphatic polyethersulfone from divinyl sulfone and water

Poly(ether)s derived from oxa-Michael polymerization: a comprehensive review

Poly(ether)s represent an important class of polymers and are typically formed by ring-opening polymerization, Williamson ether synthesis, or self-condensation of alcohols. The oxa-Michael reaction presents another method to form poly(ether)s with additional functional groups in the polymer backbone starting from di- or triols and electron deficient olefins such as acrylates, sulfones, or acrylamides. However, research on oxa-Michael polymerization is still limited. Herein, we outline the principles of the oxa-Michael polymerization and focus on the synthesis and preparation of poly(ether-sulfone)s, poly(ether-ester)s, poly(ether)s, and poly(ether-amide)s. Further, challenges as well as future perspectives of the oxa-Michael polymerization are discussed.

Graphical abstract

Tris(2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)phosphine – a Lewis base able to compete with phosphazene bases in catalysing oxa-Michael reactions

The performance of the fairly airstable and commercially available “Lewis base beast” TTMPP in catalysing oxa-Michael reactions and the control of its activity by dilution and solvent choice are disclosed.

Polymers from S-vinyl monomers: reactivities and properties

This review summarises the work of several decades on the polymerisation of S-vinyl monomers, ranging from the early reports of suitable polymerisation techniques for these monomers to their recent renaissance in various applications.