Photopolymerization of an expanding monomer with an aromatic dioxirane

The objective was to study the photocationic polymerization of an expanding monomer, 1,5,7,11-tetraoxaspiro[5.5]undecane (TOSU), and an aromatic dioxirane, bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE). Both homopolymerizations and binary polymerizations were conducted. The homopolymer, poly(TOSU), was found to be a linear poly(carbonate), which was soluble in acetone. Poly(BADGE) products contained ether linkages in addition to primary and secondary alcohol functionalities. Binary polymerization products varied depending on the irradiation time and length of dark cure. C-13-NMR analysis of binary polymerizate products revealed peaks not seen in homopolymer spectra consistent with the formation of copolymer linkages. Mass spectrometry data revealed peaks consistent with oligomers that contained both TOSU and BADGE mer units. The structures of key reaction products were proposed. (C) 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.