| Abstract: | The molecular modelling of anionic (MeO– initiated) and cationic (H+ initiated) polymerisation of lactamimide‐containing macrocyclic esters has been carried out at PM3 and HF/3‐21G levels of theory. It was found that it is strain release that drives the polymerisation of these macrocycles. Most likely that entropy gain on the ring‐opening can not compensate entropy loss on polymer formation due to the relative rigidity of cyclic molecules. Methanolate initiated anionic polymerisation will not lead to high molecular weight product due to the side reactions involving the attack of growing anionic species at carbonyls of lactamimide moiety, while the cationic polymerisation should proceed smoothly provided that polymerisation temperature is less than ceiling temperature. |
