High-pressure synthesis of novel thietane monomers and polymers

Abstract

High-pressure polymerization of thietane with a neutral nucleophile provides a quantitative yield of high molecular weight polythietane suggesting a large, negative activation volume from electrostriction of solvent in the transition state. The corresponding reaction of 3-aryloxythietanes can be achieved but requires much harsher conditions.

Keywords:

• high pressure
• synthesis
• polymerization

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to AusAID for a postgraduate scholarship to NMP.