Non-Living, Controlled Free Radical Polymerization using a Silyl Enol Ether

摘要

Silyl Enol Ethers (SEEs) have many uses in organic synthesis on account of the high number of functional molecules that can be derived from them. Typical reactions include the Mukaiyama aldol addition, Mukaiyama-Michael addition and in the Saegusa oxidation. However, little is known on their use in radical reactions with just a small number of papers on 5 and 6 member ring cyclizations. SEEs have been utilized in radical polymerisations but are more commonly used in cationicand anionic polymerisation. These polymerization methods require stringent conditions such as subzero temperatures and low vacuum. Therefore it is clear that being able to execute these reactions at ambient temperature and pressure would be of benefit.