CATIONIC RING-OPENING POLYMERIZATION OF BICYCLIC AMIDE ACETALS

Various bicyclic amide acetals were synthesized from the cycloaddition reactions of 2-substituted-2-oxazolines with styrene oxide. Ring-open ing polymerization of the bicyclic amide acetals occurred upon heating in the presence of methyl tosylate. Characterization of the bicyclic amide acetals and their polymers was accomplished by NMR and elemental analysis. Vapor pressure osmometry showed the highest polymer molecul ar weight was only 2,400. The mechanisms for cycloaddition and polymer ization are discussed. (C) 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.