Controlled synthesis of easily degradable polymers via the radical copolymerization of cyclic ketene acetals with vinyl monomers

Opportunities of the controlled synthesis of easily degradable polymers were analyzed for the copolymerization of vinyl monomers with cyclic ketene acetals. Features of a new type of synthesis of easily degradable polymers via the radical copolymerization of vinyl monomers with cyclic ketene acetals were evaluated using copolymerization of styrene with 2-methylene-1,3-dioxepane as the model example. Upon the polymerization of those cyclic ketene acetals, the ring was opened forming the ester groups, which resulted in “weak” units capable of hydrolysis and biodegradation in the polystyrene (PS) chain. Kinetic features were estimated for the copolymerization. The possibility of controlled synthesis of PS according to the method of reversible inhibition with the participation of TEMPO nitroxide was demonstrated. The composition and molecular weight characteristics were estimated for the products. Their destruction upon hydrolysis in an alkaline medium was confirmed.