Synthesis of Boratrane-pendant Random Copolymers by Side-chain Modification

Random copolymers bearing triethanolamine borate (TEAB) groups in the side chains were investigated as the first example of boratrane-containing polymers. The title polymers were synthesized via two steps of polymer reactions from random copolymers of styrene and glycidyl methacrylate. The obtained polymers exhibited superior thermal properties compared to the precursor polymers owing to the rigid cage structures of TEAB. The pendant TEAB groups were relatively stable to hydrolysis, but were quantitatively hydrolyzed in the presence of fluoride anions. The first example of polymers with a boratrane motif is reported. Triethanolamine borate (TEAB) structure was constructed at the polymer side chains by 2 step polymer reactions. The obtained polymers showed superior thermal properties based on the rigid cage structure of TEAB. The pendant TEAB groups can be hydrolyzed to the precursor trethanolamine groups in a reversible manner.