Common Cyclic Monomers and Their Polymerization Mechanisma

 

Compound Chemical Structure Main Ring Size Typical / Possible Mechanism

Amines
(incl. aziridines)

3, 4, 7 Cationic

Anhydrides

5, 7 Copolymerization with epoxides (ROCOP)

Carbonates

5 - 8 Anionic

Diesters (Glycolides)

6 Cationic

Disulfides

≥ 8 Radical

Ethers
(incl. epoxides)

3 - 5, 7 Cationic, anionic

Ketene acetals

5 - 8 Radical

Lactams

4 - 7 Cationic, anionic

Lactones

4, 7, 8 Cationic, anionic

Olefins

4, 5, 8 Metathesis

Oxazolines

5 Cationic

Phosphazenes

6 Cationic

Phosphonites

3, 5 - 7 Anionic

Siloxanes

6, 8 Cationic, anionic

Thioethers

3, 4 Cationic, anionic

Thiolactones

4 - 8 Cationic, anionic

aModified and extended data published by Nuyken and Pask1

References
  1. O. Nuyken and S.D. Pask, Polymers, 5, 361 - 403 (2013)