Linear and crosslinked copolymers of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene derivatives and styrene: New synthetic approaches to polymer-bound calix[4]arenes

In a related study, the radical polymerisation of styrene was carried out in the presence of a novel calix[4]arene derivative 4, bearing two distal benzyl-vinyl groups in the lower rim. It is shown that, albeit the presence of two phenolic groups within the calixarene moiety which could have functioned as inhibitors of the free radical polymerisation, the macrocycle was able to take part in the copolymerisation reaction, yielding new soluble and crosslinked polymers. In both cases, no pendant vinyl groups were found in the polymeric materials. The probable mechanisms underlying their formation are discussed.