Polysilylether: A Degradable Polymer from Biorenewable Feedstocks.

The synthesis of polysilylethers (PSEs) using a monomer derived from a biorenewable feedstock is reported. The AB-type monomer was synthesized from undecenoic acid through hydrosilylation and reduction, and the polymerization was catalyzed by earth-abundant metal salts. High-molar-mass products were achieved, and the degree of polymerization was controlled by varying the amount of an AA-type monomer in the reaction. The PSEs possess good thermal stability and a low glass-transition temperature (Tg ≈-67 °C). To demonstrate the utility of the PSEs, polyurethanes were synthesized from low-molar-mass hydroxy-telechelic PSEs.