Development of polymer syntheses using diazocarbonyl compounds as monomers | Polymer Journal

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Recent results from the author’s research group on the development of polymer syntheses using diazocarbonyl compounds as monomers are described. A series of new Pd-based initiating systems for C1 polymerization of diazoacetate have been developed, each of which possesses characteristic initiating ability with respect to high-molecular-weight polymer synthesis, tacticity control, and chain end functionalization. The use of functional ester substituents has led to polymers with unique properties and functionalities in comparison to their vinyl polymer counterparts [poly(alkyl acrylate)] with the same ester substituent. Polycondensations using bis(diazocarbonyl) compounds as monomers are also described. By utilizing a variety of reactivities of a diazocarbonyl group, a series of three-, two-, and single-component polycondensations have been realized, affording new polymers whose chemical structures cannot be attained by any existing method for polymer syntheses.

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The author would like to express sincere gratitude to all the coworkers who contributed to this research project. In particular, the enormous contribution to this project by Professor Hiroaki Shimomoto and the students in the author’s research group is deeply appreciated. This work was partly supported by 18 Grant-in-Aids for Scientific Research (B) (Nos. 18H02021, 21H01988, and 24K01540).

Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Ehime University, 3 Bunkyo-cho, Matsuyama, 790-8577, Japan

Eiji Ihara

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Correspondence to Eiji Ihara.

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Ihara, E. Development of polymer syntheses using diazocarbonyl compounds as monomers. Polym J (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41428-024-00954-1

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Received: 25 May 2024

Revised: 15 July 2024

Accepted: 25 July 2024

Published: 10 October 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41428-024-00954-1

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