Anionic polymerization of β-lactones initiated with potassium hydride. A convenient route to polyester macromonomers

The anionic polymerization of 2-oxetanone and 4-methyl-2-oxetanone initiated with the potassium hydride/18-crown-6 complex was investigated. The α-proton abstraction of the monomer was found to proceed at the initiation step of this polymerization. The salt of the unsaturated carboxylic acid formed initiates further propagation, leading to functionalized polyesters with unsaturated, dead end-groups.