Synthesis of Degradable Monomers for Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization

Abstract

Ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) is a type of olefin metathesis chain-growth polymerization that has shown great versatility in the field of polymer chemistry. Although it allows polymerization of monomers containing a variety of functional groups, how effective it is in polymerizing degradable monomers is largely unknown. In this report, we demonstrate a novel synthetic pathway to synthesize an acetal-containing degradable monomer that is compatible with ROMP and the Grubbs 3 (G3) catalyst. Polymers made from this monomer were characterized by GPC analysis and underwent degradation studies. Acetals generally undergo hydrolysis in mildly acid conditions and even in biologically relevant pH ranges, so this new monomer will have potential applications in drug delivery systems. The monomer also has the capacity to have its functional groups modified, changing its functionality which will be further studied.