2-oxazoline telechelic polymers: Synthesis and characterization

New telechelic polymers functionalized with terminal ethyl xanthate or vinyl groups were synthesized via cationic ring-opening polymerization (CROP). The polymerization of 2-ethyl-2-oxazoline (Etoxa) and 2-methoxycarbonylethyl-2-oxazoline (Esteroxa) was initiated by 1,4-trans-dibromobutene in acetonitrile at 78 ℃, with termination using either potassium ethyl xanthate or 4-vinylbenzyl-piperazine. Structural characterization by¹H and¹³C NMR and FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the telechelic architecture.¹H NMR analysis revealed degrees of polymerization (DP) of 24–29 for ethyl xanthate-terminated polymers and 22–23 for vinyl-terminated polymers, consistent with theoretical values. The molar compositions of Etoxa and Esteroxa in all telechelic polymers matched the initial monomer feed ratios. End-group functionalization efficiency was quantified as follows: Ethyl xanthate-terminated polymers: 64%–82%, and vinyl-terminated polymers: 69% and 98% (for respective batches).