Step‐growth Polymerization of Aziridines with Elemental Sulfur: Easy Access to Linear Polysulfides and Their Use as Recyclable Adhesives

• DOI: 10.1002/anie.202318919
• Publication Date: 2024-01-03T14:08:14Z
• Authors: Huishan Huang; Shuojia Zheng; Jiye Luo; Liang Gao; Yanxiong Fang; Zhen Zhang; Jinxiang Dong; Nikos Hadjichrist...
• Keywords: Aziridine; Moiety

Abstract The bulk radical polymerization of bis(aziridine) with molten elemental sulfur resulted in brittle, cross‐linked polymers. However, when the was treated presence an organobase, ring‐opening reaction aziridine oligosulfide anions occurred, leading to formation linear polymers by step‐growth polymerization. These newly synthesized possess repeating units containing a sulfonamide or amide functional moiety and bonds average segment about two. A small molecular model confirmed nucleophilic addition aziridine. It verified that S−S dynamic bond exchange takes place organic base within chains. mixture polysulfides pyridine exhibits exceptional adhesive properties applied steel, aluminum substrates. Notably, these prepared adhesives displayed good reusability due complete recyclability their solution processability. This sulfur‐involved approach represents innovative method for synthesis advanced sulfur‐containing polymers, demonstrating potential various applications beyond.