Model reactions of functionalization of polycarbonate. Reactions of phenyl chloroformate with nucleophiles and cationic polymerization behavior of bicyclo orthoesters containing carbonate group

Some model experiments for functionalization of a polycarbonate were carried out. At first, reactivity of phenyl chloroformate with a few nucleophiles was examined. Reaction with alkyl amines gave corresponding carbamates, but in the case of aniline, formation of a byproduct diarylurea was observed. Reactions with alcohols and phenols afforded carbonates in moderate yields, in which p-nitrophenol and isopropyl alcohol were less reactive. On the basis of these results, 1-ethyl-4-phenoxycarboxymethyl-2,6,7-trioxabicyclo2.2.2]octane (2) and 1-ethyl-4-ethoxycarboxymethyl-2,6,7-trioxabicyclo2.2.2]octane (3) were prepared by the reaction of phenyl and ethyl chloroformates with 1-ethyl-4-hydroxymethyl-2,6,7-trioxabicyclo2.2.2]octane in the presence of tert-amine. 2 polymerized cationically with BF₃OEt₂ at more than 80°C to give a polyether containing both ester and carbonate groups in the side chain, with contamination of a gelled polymer.