The precise synthesis of poly(alkenyl boronate)s was achieved through RAFT polymerization of isopropenyl boronate pinacol ester (IPBpin) and subsequent terminal olefination by cobalt catalysis. Experimental and computational investigation on the compatibility of IPBpin with chain transfer agents revealed its conjugated-monomer type behavior that is ascribed to empty p-orbital of boron. Terminal olefination in post-polymerization reaction improved the stability of resulting polymers, enabling the analysis for molecular structure of poly(IPBpin) by MALDI-TOF-MS spectroscopy as well as thermal properties by DSC.
- Tomoaki Kanazawa
- Tsuyoshi Nishikawa
- Makoto Ouchi
