CATIONIC INITIATION OF OLIGOMERIZATION OF VINYLFORMAMIDE

Vinylformamide (VFA) is cationically polymerized in various solvents a t 273 K and 253 K reaction temperature by the following initiators: io dine, bis(4-methoxyphenyl)-methyl chloride/silica, triphenylmethyl chl oride/silica, and trimethylsilyl triflate. In every case defined oligo mers with narrow molecular weight distribution are obtained in moderat e yield (20-50%). Acid hydrolysis of the obtained oligomers yields wel l defined oligovinylamine products. The cationic initiation mechanism of VFA is discussed in terms of the HSAB-concept(a).