Synthesis of polymers bearing monothio-orthoester groups using a direct route from dithioester-containing monomers and polymers

Reaction of excess sodium alkoxides with aromatic (non-enethiolisable) dithioesters followed by in situ alkylation offers a high-yield direct synthetic route to monothio-orthoesters. When applied to previously described monomers, polymers and copolymers containing dithioester groups, this method provides a direct access to the corresponding monomers, polymers and copolymers in which monothio-orthoesters are present. [(Methylthio) dimethoxymethyl]-4-vinyl benzene [obtained from methyl (4-vinyl benzene) dithiocarboxylate] undergoes convenient free radical homo- and co-polymerizations. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.