Benzylic triflates prepared in-situ: novel initiators for mono-, bi- and trifunctional living poly(THF)s

Mono-, bis-, and tris(trifluoromethane-sulfonate ester)s ((triflate ester)s ) were prepared by the reaction of benzyl alcohol (1), 1,4-bis(hydroxymethy l)-benzene (2) and 1,3,5-tris(hydroxymethyl)benzene (3) with trifluorometha nesulfonic anhydride in the presence of 2,6-di-tert-butylpyridine. These be nzylic triflate esters were applied in-situ for the living polymerization o f tetrahydrofuran (THF). The subsequent end-capping reaction with a suitabl e nucleophile proceeded quantitatively to produce mono. bi- and, in particu lar, novel trifunctional telechelic poly(THF)s, respectively.