Synthesis of functionalized polylactide by cationic activated monomer polymerization

Functionalized polylactides (PLAs) containing acryloyl, methacryloyl or propargyl end groups have been obtained by cationic ring-opening polymerization performed in the presence of appropriate alcohols (HEMA, HEA, propargyl alcohol) as initiators and triflic acid as a catalyst. 1H NMR, MALDI TOF and GPC analysis indicated almost quantitative initiation and confirmed the expected structure and molecular masses of the obtained PLAs. The conditions were found in which transesterification process (usually accompanying the cyclic esters propagation) can be avoided. PLAs functionalized with double bond were successfully homopolymerized and copolymerized with butyl acrylate in the presence of AIBN. PLA with triple bond at one chain end was effectively coupled with a model azide by 1,3-dipolar Huisgen cycloaddition (“click” reaction) in order to prove its ability to be further functionalized.