Synthesis of polyvinylethylene glycols (PVEGs) via polyetherification of vinylethylene carbonate by synergistic catalysis.

An efficient and controllable polyetherification of vinylethylene carbonate (VEC) using diols as initiators is developed. By using a synergistic catalysis with palladium and boron reagents under mild conditions, the polymerization process enables the regioselective production of a series of polyvinylethylene glycols (PVEGs) bearing pendent vinyl groups in high yields with accurate molecular weight control and narrow molecular weight distribution. The utility of PVEGs is demonstrated by the production of functional polyurethanes and post-polymerization modification via thiol-ene photo-click chemistry.