Access to bromo-functionalized polyester by ring-opening polymerization of a bridged bicyclic lactone and application for grafted copolymers

Ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of bridged bicyclic lactones has been proved to be effective method for degradable polyesters, especially recyclable polymers. Herein, we reported a novel bromo-functionalized bridged bicyclic lactone (MBr) from a biobased olefin carboxylic acid. The investigation of polymerization system showed that urea/1,8-Diazabicyclo[5,4,0]undec-7-ene (DBU) catalyzed ROP of MBr is well-controlled. Quantitative monomer conversion (98 %) was achieved and bromo-functionalized polyesters (PMBr) with high molecular weights (up to 91800 g/mol) were produced. Cu(0)-mediated controlled radical polymerization of methyl acrylate with PMBr as macroinitiators afforded grafted copolymers. This strategy would provide more convenience for the synthesis of bromo-functionalized polyesters and grafted copolymers.